Fathers 4 Justice, famous for scaling landmarks in several countries dressed in superhero costumes such as Batman and Robin, and Spiderman has decided to abandon their famous publicity stunts for a more traditional lobbying approach to advance fathers' rights.
Matt O'Connor, the founder of Fathers 4 Justice, announced on Sunday that it was time for the organization to "grow up" and embark on lobbying efforts to convince politicians of the need for reform in family law. A demonstration planned by the group for Father's Day in London was also cancelled.
The group itself has been going through turbulent times as high-profile members have been expelled while reports of mismanagement, threats and sexist behavior have surfaced.
David Chick, who dressed as Spiderman in November of 2003 and caused a closing of the roads surrounding the Tower Bridge in London, stated he believes that O'Connor has "sold out" by negotiating with the British Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). Some of the more militant members who have been asked to leave plan to form a new group called "Real Fathers 4 Justice."
O'Connor remains optimistic, however, and plans to relaunch F4J later this year without the militant members.
"At the start we had to adopt a high-profile strategy. But I fear I opened a can of worms. There is a group of angry fathers that were jeopardising everything," he said.
The thing is...if they are going to start over, they will need a new name.