UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently supported author J.K. Rowling following her comments on Scotland’s latest hate crime legislation. This new law, which started being enforced on Monday, makes it a crime to provoke hatred against people based on factors like age, disability, faith, sexual orientation, transgender identity, and sex characteristics.
Rowling voiced her thoughts on this matter through a series of posts on X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter. In her posts, she criticized the law and mentioned 10 transgender women, challenging the police to arrest her for her views under this new legislation.
Rowling jokingly referred to the individuals she mentioned not as women but as men, critiquing the Scottish lawmakers for valuing what she perceives as men’s impersonation of women over the rights and safety of actual women and girls. She expressed eagerness to ArrestMe.
In response to Rowling’s stance, Sunak shared his thoughts with the Daily Telegraph, emphasizing the importance of free speech and stating that people should not face criminal charges for expressing basic biological facts. He affirmed his and his party’s commitment to safeguarding free speech.
This controversy began when broadcaster India Willoughby reported Rowling to the police, accusing her of transphobia for misgendering her. Rowling, in return, claimed she had legal grounds for a defamation case against Willoughby and accused her of harassment.
U.K. Prime Minister Backs J.K. Rowling After She Dares Scottish Police to ‘Arrest Me’ Over New Hate Crime Act https://t.co/CpWTK7Udhf
— 140 Reviews (@OneFortyReviews) April 2, 2024
Rowling’s comments have sparked criticism, particularly from actors associated with the Harry Potter series. Despite this, Warner Bros. Discovery has shown continued support for Rowling, particularly in relation to the new Harry Potter series in development, highlighting a positive ongoing relationship with her and excitement for future projects. Source
