JK Rowling stands firm against critical posts on transgender issues as Scotland prepares to implement hate crime legislation
The author of the Harry Potter series has refused to delete social media posts where she called a transgender activist a man, despite Scotland’s upcoming hate crime legislation.
JK Rowling, writing on social media platform X, responded to calls for her to remove the comments before the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act takes effect on April 1.
She stood her ground, stating, “If you genuinely think I would delete posts referring to a man as a man to avoid prosecution under this ridiculous law, get ready for a big April Fools’ joke.”
Although a strong advocate for biological women’s rights in the transgender debate, the English author has faced backlash for her beliefs, even from some Harry Potter cast members.
Ms. Rowling has been critical of the hate crime legislation, predicting that “the police are going to be very busy” once it becomes law.
Last year, she expressed willingness to go to prison rather than be compelled to call biological males “women.”
The new law in Scotland introduces “stirring up of hatred offences” for protected characteristics, including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.
Introduced by First Minister Humza Yousaf, now approved by the Scottish Parliament, the bill has been labeled authoritarian for further limiting public discourse.
The Scottish Government defends the law as updating hate crime regulations for the modern era, defining hate crime as criminal behavior based on prejudice.
In contrast to Scotland, England does not have explicit hate crime legislation; instead, various laws cover offenses related to protected characteristics.
Recent reports about Police Scotland’s training for the new hate crime laws have been disputed, with claims that they would target actors and comedians refuted by both Police Scotland and the Scottish Government.
The law specifies different channels through which offending material can be communicated and does not directly address JK Rowling’s views.
PA Media and Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
