Published on August 16, 2024, 12:31 am

Image source: Fox News

In Barbados, the Praise Academy of Dance group is requesting a thorough inquiry following a senator’s admission of possible bias and subsequent cancellation of a ruling that previously upheld their disqualification from a nationwide competition. The performance that resulted in the controversy was one that questioned trans ideology.

The academy received correspondence in November from Senator Gregory Nicholls stating, “a fair-minded informed observer would conclude that there was a real possibility of bias” in his original verdict. Consequently, he rescinded his decision for fairness to all involved. This news comes courtesy of the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), based in the United Kingdom, representing the dance school located in the small Caribbean country.

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) along with judges from the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) made headlines last October when they disqualified Praise Academy for alleged infringement on “the bounds of good taste” and making “defamatory claims” during their dance routine called “Speak Life.”

The contentious act showcased by teens depicted a 15-year-old girl struggling with her gender identity who eventually embraces her biological sex due to biblical teachings. It affirmed sex as biologically determined by chromosomes and featured banners quoting Genesis 1:27 – reinforcing God’s creation of male and female.

Following disqualification, Praise Academy contested this decision through Nicholls who served NCF as an arbiter at that time. After rescinding his ruling, Nicholls confirmed he no longer held this position due to inaccuracies in his initial communication regarding his capacity.

While Senator Nicholls’ withdrawal has been welcomed by Davida Maynard-Holligan, attorney for Praise Academy, she noted NIFCA’s original verdict remains unaltered. Now alongside CLC, they demand an impartial investigation into how such biased ruling transpired.

Maynard-Holligan stated that had they not challenged and publicised these occurrences, Senator Nicholls most likely wouldn’t have reversed his decision. Thus, they see this as a disquieting precedent which could have a significant impact on the legal rights and freedoms of Barbadian citizens who don’t agree with or refuse to conform to extreme gender identity ideologies.

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