Christian Artist Reaches Settlement After Being Restricted from Her Own Exhibition
On 19 June 2026, a settlement was announced in Christian artist Victoria Culf’s case against Watford Borough Council. The dispute began after she expressed her beliefs about children and gender transition in a private conversation and was consequently restricted from entering her own exhibition. The council now says she will be welcome at the museum when it reopens and considered for future work.
Christian artist Victoria Culf was required to give 24 hours’ notice before entering an exhibition she had independently funded at Watford Museum. The restriction followed a private conversation with a council employee in June 2023 in which she expressed concerns about harms of medical ‘transitioning’ because of her Christian beliefs and her experience working with children. Following the restriction, which also led to a project contract termination, she brought legal action against Watford Borough Council (OIDAC reported).
Culf said the council told her that police were investigating her for a “hate crime”, leaving her afraid of being arrested. Police records disclosed during the proceedings showed that her comments had not led to a criminal investigation and that police regarded them as protected speech. In July 2025, after the council and police disclosed further records, a court allowed her to amend her legal claim.
On 19 June 2026, Culf’s lawyers announced a settlement. In a statement published by Watford Borough Council, the council said it respected the range of deeply held views on the subject, including Culf’s. It described her as a local artist in good standing, said it had no animosity towards her and confirmed that she would be welcome at the Museum of Watford when it reopens. It also said she would be considered alongside other local artists for future council work.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and expression. Culf said the dispute had harmed her business and professional reputation, and welcomed its resolution after three years. For her, the outcome restores the possibility of working with the council and exhibiting at the museum without the restriction that followed her private expression of belief.
Source: Christian Concern, Decision Magazine
Image: Christian Concern