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San Francisco Bookstores’ Refusal to Stock JK Rowling Draws Censorship Allegations

Rep. Ro Khanna contends the decision amounts to an unwarranted ban that undermines free expression.

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Overview

  • On June 5, Booksmith announced it would stop selling Rowling’s books in response to her support for the J. K. Rowling Women’s Fund, which critics view as opposing transgender rights.
  • Fabulosa Books in the Castro followed suit, removing Rowling’s titles over concerns that fund proceeds could support legal efforts against trans inclusion in women’s spaces.
  • Social media debates erupted over whether bookstores should exclude authors based on political views, with some customers vowing to shop elsewhere.
  • Rep. Ro Khanna publicly criticized the moves as censorship and urged retailers to uphold free speech by offering diverse viewpoints.
  • Booksmith has encouraged patrons to purchase used copies locally and hosted a Silent Reading Party benefiting a Trans Youth Emergency Fund to support community alternatives.