In an extensive post on social media, JK Rowling criticizes the introduction of the new law. “Freedom of speech and belief will end in Scotland if accurately describing biological sex is considered a criminal offence,” Rowling wrote on X, formerly Twitter. In the message, the British author lashes out at several well-known trans women. “April 1,” she writes. “The people I mentioned are not women, but all men.”
Rowling’s statements may be punishable under a recently introduced Scottish law, as she admits. “I am currently out of the country, but everything I have written here qualifies as an offense under the new law.” “#ArrestMe,” it sounds.
Scottish law makes it a criminal offense to incite hatred in relation to age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Anyone convicted faces a fine and up to seven years in prison. A thorn in Rowling’s side is the lack of protection for women in the law. For example, the law does not categorize women as a protected group, which would only be introduced later. “More value is placed on the feelings of men who act feminine (…) than on the rights and freedoms of actual women.”
According to Rowling, the legislation opens the door to abuse by transgender people. For example, she complains about the “unfairness of allowing men to participate in women’s sports”.
Sunak
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends Rowling’s statements. “People should not be punished for stating biological facts,” Sunak said. “We believe in freedom of speech in this country and the Conservatives will always protect it.”
JK Rowling has been regularly making transphobic statements for several years. For example, she previously described trans women as “men in dresses”. Including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, star actors from the Harry Potter-saga, distanced themselves from Rowling’s statements.
Tags: Arrest Rowling lashes law banning hate speech transgender people
