Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Scottish gender bill: JK Rowling calls Nicola Sturgeon 'destroyer of women's rights'

“I stand in solidarity with For Women Scotland and all women protesting and speaking outside the Scottish parliament,” tweeted Rowling.

Scottish gender bill: JK Rowling calls Nicola Sturgeon 'destroyer of women's rights'

The Harry Potter author JK Rowling has called Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon 'destroyer of women’s rights' as the former extended support to people protesting over a new gender recognition law in the country, media reports said.

On Thursday (6) lawmakers in Scotland showed the green light to a new system which allows trans people to be able to change their gender without a medical diagnosis.


Unveiled in March, the new legislation allows only 'self-identification' to get a gender recognition certificate (GRC).

But Rowling backs feminist groups which claim the new law would undermine women’s rights and allow predatory men to exploit vulnerable women and girls.

She took to Twitter on Thursday to express her support wearing a black t-shirt which read "Nicola Sturgeon - noun - destroyer of human rights".

"I stand in solidarity with For Women Scotland and all women protesting and speaking outside the Scottish parliament," the caption of the post read.

The author was a fierce critic of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill when it was first introduced.

According to her it will harm the most vulnerable women in society - those seeking help after male violence/ rape and incarcerated women.

"Statistics show that imprisoned women are already far more likely to have been previously abused," she tweeted earlier.

Under the new law, children as young as 16 can apply to legally change their gender without a medical diagnosis.

According to social justice secretary Shona Robison the bill will simplify and improve the process for a trans person to gain legal recognition. It will provide better access to their existing rights, Robison added.

“Our support for trans rights does not conflict with our continued strong commitment to uphold the rights and protections that women and girls currently have under the 2010 Equality Act. This bill makes no changes to that act," she further said.

Earlier, the Scottish author criticised many celebrities, including actor Emma Watson for supporting trans charity Mermaids. The other supporters of the charity include the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Jameela Jamil.

Rowling's comments came after it was emerged Dr Jacob Breslow, one of the charity's trustees, spoke at a conference hosted by an organisation that promotes services for paedophiles.

But Mermaids clarified to The Times it was unaware of his appearance at the 2011 conference. According to reports, he later resigned from the post.

Scottish parliament will consider the new bill on October 27.

More For You

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Masum

Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum convicted of murdering estranged wife in front of baby

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.

Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India flight crash
Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Getty Images

India declines UN investigator’s participation in Air India crash probe: Report

INDIA has declined a request from the United Nations aviation agency to allow one of its investigators to observe the probe into the Air India crash that killed 260 people in Ahmedabad on June 12, Reuters reported, citing two senior sources familiar with the matter.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had offered to provide assistance by sending one of its investigators, following the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner earlier this month. It was an unusual move, as ICAO typically deploys investigators only upon request from the country leading the investigation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anna Wintour

Wintour’s style of leadership earned her the nickname “Nuclear Wintour”

Getty Images

Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years

Key points

  • Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years
  • She will remain Vogue’s global editorial director and hold senior roles at Condé Nast
  • Wintour transformed US Vogue into a global fashion authority
  • The 75-year-old has received numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom

End of an era at US Vogue

Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor of US Vogue, bringing to a close a 37-year tenure that redefined the publication and saw her become one of the most influential figures in global fashion.

The announcement was made on Thursday (26 June) during a staff meeting in New York. Wintour, 75, will no longer oversee the day-to-day editorial operations of Vogue’s US edition. However, she will continue to serve as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, maintaining senior leadership roles across the company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Post Office scandal trials 'unlikely before 2028'

FILE PHOTO: A Post Office van parked outside the venue for the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry at Aldwych House on January 11, 2024 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)

Post Office scandal trials 'unlikely before 2028'

THE people responsible for the Post Office Horizon scandal may not face trial until 2028, according to the senior police officer leading the investigation.

Commander Stephen Clayman has said that the process is taking longer because police are now looking at a wider group of people, not just those directly involved in decisions about the faulty Horizon computer system, reported the Telegraph.

Keep ReadingShow less