Yesterday, Scotland’s hate crime legislation began, making it a crime to “stir up hatred” on the basis of age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or being intersex. This legislation received criticism from author J.K. Rowling, who took to Twitter to share her anti-hate crime opinions in a lengthy thread. She went on to dare police to arrest her, stating that “I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.” Rowling added that she believes “freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland” if biological sex is deemed criminal.
However, in a statement earlier this week, the police confirmed that Rowling’s comments about new hate crime laws “are not assessed to be criminal.” The author took to Twitter once again in response to this announcement, saying she hopes “every woman in Scotland who wishes to speak up for the reality and importance of biological sex will be reassured by this announcement, and I trust that all women – irrespective of profile or financial means – will be treated equally under the law.”
J.K. Rowling has come under fire for a number of remarks over the years, particularly on the topic of transgender rights. Last month, she was reported to Scottish police over accusations of transphobic abuse, after claiming that India Willoughby was “cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is.” Willoughby claimed that Rowling’s words were “in breach of both the Equality Act and the Gender Recognition Act” and stated that it was recorded as a non-crime hate incident.
Despite the backlash she has received, Rowling has also seen some supporters come to her defense, including actors Evanna Lynch, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jim Broadbent. Nevertheless, her comments have also been criticized by former Harry Potter co-stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe, who have defended transgender women and men. Rowling’s controversial views on the topic have sparked additional controversy, with some people supporting her beliefs, and others pushing for more inclusive and understanding views of transgender people
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