Artist probed by police over gender views banned from her exhibition
AN artist was allegedly banned from her own exhibition after discussing her gender views with a council employee.
Victoria Culf, 43, claimed her ordeal started after she talked to the worker about transgender ideology while making a cup of tea at Watford Museum.
The artist said she was setting up her exhibition when she politely told the employee that she believed allowing children and young people to change sex is harmful.
She added that the Gender Identity Development Servreported ice clinic at the Tavistock Centre in London should be shut down.
The clinic, which has faced scrutiny over its treatment of children with gender dysphoria, is closing at the end of this month.
Ms Culf claimed she then received a call from the council telling her of ‘harassment’ allegations, adding that she could not go to her own exhibition without giving 24 hours’ notice.
The artist is understood to have been informed police were investigating her for a ‘ hate crime’ after the incident last June.
However, Hertfordshire Police later said that no crime had been committed.
Meanwhile Watford Borough Council said it did not report Ms Culf to the police. The weaving artist and sculptor is reportedly taking legal action against the council for breach of contract, discrimination and harassment.
She is seeking damages and a written formal apology plus for the restrictions on her attending her exhibition to be removed.
Ms Culf said: ‘I was afraid that the police were going to turn up on my doorstep at any moment.
‘We are now living in a culture where for just expressing opposition to transgender ideology, even politely, can lead to you being to the police.’ She added that after her conversation with the employee, they shared a post online about the discussion before she got a call from the local authority.
She claimed her artwork was then damaged, adding that when she lodged a formal data subject access request, the council failed to show evidence which would reveal the decision-making process behind its actions.
Watford council maintains it fully complied with the data request, The Times reported.
Ms Culf added: ‘ It was just complete madness to me. The conversation I had was calm and considered.
‘During my work and life, I have experienced children and young people regretting all sorts of decisions and continually changing their minds as they grow and develop.
‘I am aware that me speaking out could be “commercial suicide” but I am not prepared to be silent on these issues and I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.’
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre which is supporting Ms Culf, said the ‘fear that professionals feel over speaking truth’ on these matters ‘must end’.
A Hertfordshire Police spokesman said the complaint did not meet the requirements of a noncrime hate incident.
Watford Borough Council has been contacted for comment.