J.K. Rowling “Looks Forward to Being Arrested” Following Scottish Hate Crime

J.K. Rowling is challenging the authorities to arrest her as she voices her opposition to Scotland’s new hate crime legislation.

The freshly implemented laws, effective from 1st April, now criminalise “stirring up hatred” based on age, disability, religion sexual orientation, transgender identity, or being intersex. Under these laws, individuals can be charged if they communicate or behave in a manner deemed threatening or abusive, with the intent to incite hatred based on these characteristics.

Also Read: Stephen King Faces Criticism For Supporting JK Rowling

Additional legislation is planned to address misogyny as a distinct offence. Rowling took to Twitter to criticise the new regulations in a detailed thread, directing her ire towards several trans women for having protected characteristics under the law.

“I’m currently abroad, but if what I’ve said here qualifies as an offence under the new act, I eagerly await being arrested upon my return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment,” she declared. Rowling further asserted that “freedom of speech and belief are under threat in Scotland” if what she describes as “the accurate description of biological sex” is deemed unlawful.

Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousef, has countered the “disinformation” surrounding the bill, particularly propagated by gender-critical groups. He insists that there are robust protections for freedom of speech, including explicit clauses on free speech, a defence for actions deemed “reasonable” and compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Last month, Rowling was reported to the police for alleged transphobic comments after stating that broadcaster India Willoughby “didn’t become a woman” and is “cosplaying a misogynistic male fantasy of what a woman is”. Willoughby contends that Rowling’s remarks breached both the Equality Act and the Gender Recognition Act. Rowling, in response, quipped that the “police are going to be very busy”.

The author has faced criticism for various statements perceived as transphobic, dating back to 2020. Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have all publicly disagreed with her views and stood up for transgender individuals.