Book charity asks authors to sign ‘morality contract’

A BOOK charity has been accused of introducing a “morality clause” that authors fear will stifle free speech by excluding gender-critical writers from paid work.

The Scottish Book Trust (SBT), which arranges literary events at schools and libraries, has asked authors to sign a code of conduct which includes revised clauses insisting they must avoid “bigotry” and “transphobia” in order to take part in events.

Authors claimed that this will create a transgender “morality clause”, saying gender-critical writers may be barred from events and denied pay if they were found to have breached the code.

Some authors said that signing the code is effectively compulsory, as refusing to sign would result in them being removed from the roster of writers available for work with the SBT.

This work includes author appearances in schools, parks, hospital wards and care homes. It can be worth five-figure sums each year for some authors.

Poet Magi Gibson, who has worked with the charity for decades, warned that the code “discriminates against those writers, especially women, lesbians and gay men, who do not believe in gender identity theory”, as the term “transphobia” is “weaponised” online and is frequently levelled against those of the view that biological sex takes precedence over gender identity.

Gillian Philip, an author and gendercritical campaigner who quit the SBT, said: “This code has nothing to do with ‘conduct’. It’s an attempt to compel thought, belief and speech.”

Marc Lambert, SBT chief executive, said: “Our code of conduct outlines commitment across the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, and does not place increased emphasis on specific areas.”

He added: “We have a responsibility to all of our audiences and it is therefore incumbent upon us... to ensure that everyone we work with signs [the code]. This applies to everyone who wishes to work with us, not just writers.”