MEP Cyrus Engerer Brands JK Rowling ‘Transphobic’ After Writer’s Jail Remark
Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer has branded JK Rowling “transphobic” after the author said she would happily go to jail if misgendering trans people becomes a hate crime in the UK.
“The transphobic narrative in the UK is worrying and is reaching new heights,” Engerer said on Instagram. “We need to call transphobic people out for what they really are.”
Rowling, best-selling author of the Cormoran Strike and Harry Potter book series, spoke out after The Mail on Sunday revealed that the UK Labour Party plans to introduce tougher sentences, including imprisonment, for people who deliberately misgender trans people.
The writer posted a photo on the social media platform X featuring the words “Repeat after us: trans women are women” and responded with a simple “No.”
Rowling boldly declared that she would rather go to jail than acknowledge that trans women are women.
“I’ll happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex,” the writer added in the comments on her post.
“Bring on the court case, I say. It’ll be more fun than I’ve ever had on a red carpet,” she added, making light of the situation.
Rowling’s stance has angered supporters of transgender rights, as she uses her influential voice to make these comments that hurt individuals in the LGBTIQ+ community. However, several people have also publicly backed Rowling and warned that punishing her and others who share her position would seriously stifle free speech.
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