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J.K. Rowling Faces Backlash After Celebrating UK Supreme Court Ruling on Biological Sex Definition

The author praised the decision on social media and confirmed a significant donation to the legal challenge, reigniting criticism from celebrities and LGBTQ+ advocates.

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Writer J.K. Rowling attends the world premiere of the film "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" in Paris, on Nov. 8, 2018.
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Overview

  • The UK Supreme Court ruled on April 16, 2025, that the legal definition of 'woman' under the Equality Act refers to biological sex, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates from related protections.
  • J.K. Rowling celebrated the ruling with a social media post referencing 'TERF VE Day' and confirmed a £70,000 donation to For Women Scotland, the group behind the legal challenge.
  • The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and public figures, who warn it could lead to increased discrimination against transgender individuals, particularly in employment.
  • Actors from the Harry Potter franchise, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, have reiterated their support for transgender rights while distancing themselves from Rowling's views.
  • Rowling remains an executive producer on HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series, a project that continues to face scrutiny due to her controversial public stance on gender issues.