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# Ofcom cuts ties with Stonewall
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/ofcom-cuts-ties-with-stonewall/
- Published: 2021-08-26T11:30:04.000Z
- Updated: 2021-08-26T10:49:57.000Z
- Description: Ofcom has withdrawn from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, arguing that it “poses a conflict or risk of perceived bias”.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Television, David Paisley, LGBTQ, Ofcom, Stonewall, Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme, TV, UK

Media watchdog [Ofcom](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/ofcom-classes-transphobia-as-hate-speech/) has withdrawn from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, arguing that its *“relationship with Stonewall poses a conflict or risk of perceived bias”*. Announcing the decision on [social media](https://twitter.com/Ofcom/status/1430507610604810243?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1430563264098971654%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinknews.co.uk%2F2021%2F08%2F25%2Fofcom-stonewall-diversity-champions%2F&ref=scenemag.co.uk), Ofcom released a statement where it said it has already *“laid the foundations”* to support its LGBTQ+ staff, while also arguing that it must *“remain impartial and independent at all times.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ofcom-1.jpg)

However, the organisation insisted that its *“commitment to supporting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people is as strong as ever”.* Since the announcement, Ofcom has faced backlash, with LGBTQ+ activist [David Paisley](https://twitter.com/DavidPaisley/status/1430567598090080264?ref=scenemag.co.uk) describing it as a *“shameful and appalling decision”*. He added: *“By pulling out,* \[Ofcom is\] *siding with one of the most vicious and toxic anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns the UK has witnessed in recent memory.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/stonewall_pride_fac600.png)

Activist [Katy Montgomerie](https://twitter.com/KatyMontgomerie?ref=scenemag.co.uk) also criticised Ofcom, tweeting: *“Do not believe you at all that you’re committed to supporting LGBTQ+ people’s rights and freedoms. The British press is an absolute disaster.”* A Stonewall [spokesperson](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/aug/25/ofcom-quits-stonewall-lgbt-scheme-over-risk-of-perceived-bias?ref=scenemag.co.uk) responded to Ofcom, saying they “respect” its decision but are saddened *“that involvement in a programme that supports an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees should be in any way regarded as an unimpartial act.”*