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Comedian pulls out of charity show at SOAS after he was asked to sign extensive 'safe space' contract

Comedian Konstantin Kisin pulled out of a charity event at SOAS, University of London: Twitter
Comedian Konstantin Kisin pulled out of a charity event at SOAS, University of London: Twitter

A comedian pulled out of performing at a charity gig after he was asked to sign a contract which included a banned list of topics.

Konstantin Kisin, who was born in Russia, claimed he had been sent a “behavioural agreement form” that stopped him from telling jokes that were not “respectful and kind”.

It said: "By signing this contract, you are agreeing to our no tolerance policy with regards to racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia or anti-religion or anti-atheism."

The comedian was due to appear at a night arranged by Unicef on Campus at SOAS, part of the University of London, next month.

Mr Kisin, who recently gained the title “Jewish comedian of the year”, shared a picture of the form on Twitter, alongside the comment: "The title of this 'contract' nearly made me puke."

Society leaders said the comedy night aimed to "provide a safe space" that offered "joy, love and acceptance".

In a statement, the society said: "We wanted to make sure it was an appropriate event for the cause. We would never impose that guests would have to agree to anything they do not believe in."

The comedian was among four scheduled to perform at the fundraising event scheduled for January 23, the Mail Online reports.

They all received an email from the society, which read: "Attached is a short behavioural agreement form that we will ask for you to sign on the day to avoid problems.”

Behavioural Agreement Form

"This Comedy night organised by ... society, aims to provide a safe space for everyone to come together to share and listen to Comedy, with all proceeds donated to UNICEF.

"This is a chance for all to be entertained and overjoyed by the different performances here on this day, January 23 2019. Hence, the importance of this contract.

"This contract has been written to ensure an environment where joy, love and acceptance is reciprocated by all.

"By signing this contract, you are agreeing to our no tolerance policy with regards to racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia or anti-religion or anti-atheism.

"All topics must be presented in a way that is respectful and kind. It does not mean that these topics can not be discussed. But, it must be done in a respectful and non-abusive way."

Mr Kisin, who lives in the UK, said yesterday: "The only people who should be controlling what comedians say are comedians. This is a threat to freedom of speech.

"I grew up under the Soviet Union. When I saw this letter, basically telling me what I could and couldn't say, I thought this was precisely the kind of letter a comic would have been sent there."

Unicef on Campus at SOAS said in a statement: "We are a student society with the goal of fundraising for UNICEF; we do not represent UNICEF UK or any student body.

"We extended an invitation to guests with the idea of hosting a comedy night to raise funds.

"Given that UNICEF is a children's charity, we wanted to make sure it was an appropriate event for the cause.

"We would never impose that guests would have to agree to anything they do not believe in.

"We regret the misrepresentation of our aim."

Following the row Mr Kisin performed a "woke" set at London comedy club Comedy Unleashed on Tuesday, in which he discussed the letter.