Despite facing continued backlash for what many deem to be anti-trans views, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling refuses to back down. It all began when she shared an article about "creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate," admitting that it angered her to see women no longer being referred to as, well, women.
Since then, the writer has become increasingly outspoken on the issue, sharing concerns about certain elements of the trans community, including the fact allowing men who identify as women to enter women's changing rooms and bathrooms is a slippery slope that could lead to disastrous outcomes.
The entire situation is complicated and, while Rowling has expressed some valid concerns, there's obviously a huge difference between a man who dresses as a woman in an effort to commit a sexual crime and a legitimate transgender person; unfortunately, Rowling's strong views fail to acknowledge any sort of middle ground, hence why she's become such controversial figure in recent years.
Now, she's once again causing a story after revealing she would be happy to do prison time over her views on transgender women.
Seemingly responding to a Mail on Sunday article suggesting the Labour government is planning to make gender identity attacks a criminal offence (refusing to use a transgender person's preferred pronouns, for example), Rowling said: "I’ll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex."
Does this mean Rowling would be happy to commit a "hate crime" if it means standing up for what she believes in? That's the prevailing opinion on social media as the debate surrounding this very sensitive issue continues.
Rowling has become a leading voice for women's rights and the importance of biological sex but, given the strong feelings around the issue, many of her fans have turned their backs on the author. In fact, there are even rumblings online that her continued brushes with controversy will jeopardise plans for the upcoming Harry Potter reboot (as a TV series) heading to Max.
Check out Rowling's latest comments below.