Controversial author JK Rowling was quick to comment on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the legal definition of a woman. The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the definition of a woman and sex in the Equality Act relates to “a biological woman and biological sex”.
UK Supreme Court judge Lord Hodge, who announced the decision, made clear that this was not a victory for either side, stressing that the law gives trans people protection against discrimination. “The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex,” he said. “But we counsel against reading this judgement as a triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another.”
The ruling follows a number of challenges brought by Scottish campaign group, For Women Scotland (FWS), over the definition of “woman” in Scottish legislation mandating 50% female representation on public boards.
Following the decision, Rowling – known for her transphobic tweets on social media – took to her X/ Twitter page to share her thoughts. Rowling also previously donated £70,000 to the anti-trans groups for legal fight and shared her support for them.
“It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK. @ForWomenScot, I’m so proud to know you,” she wrote.
People rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts as JK’s post was met with a mixed response. One supporter of JK said: “Scottish women don’t take any nonsense. I’m so pleased with Trina Budge, Marion Calder and Susan Smith.” GB News broadcaster Michelle Dewberry responded with a praying emoji. “For the win! @ForWomenScot are heroes.”
But there were also people who disagreed with the author, with one user writing: “Surrendering to popular transphobia doesn’t take great moral courage – it’s easy. Sadly, transgender and non-binary people – and indeed LGBT people more broadly – continue to suffer stigma, bigotry and persecution worldwide.”
Drag Race stars and activists were among the many people who slammed the ruling, with Bimini Bon Boulash taking to her social media to post an image stating: “Trans women are women.”
Drag queen Tayce said: “UK supreme court is a POS [piece of s***]. My heart goes out to all my trans brothers and sisters eternally but more so today. Nothing or no-one can erase YOU.”
Tia Kofi posted a video where they told followers: “We now more than ever must be allies to the trans community. It cannot just be trans people who are expected to raise their voices to fight for their own existence.
“It must be exhausting to constantly be the ones to fight for your own existence. As allies it is our responsibility to amplify their voices.”
TV star India Willoughby posted: “I have always been a woman. I remain a woman. And I will die a woman. Fought hard to be me. Suffered sacrifice, pain and abuse. No corrupt court or whiskery old fart judge who refused to hear any trans advocacy will ever take that away from me. They can’t – because I am who I am. Woman. Female.”
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