In a recent development, J.K. Rowling has criticized actor David Tennant for his comments on trans issues. Tennant suggested that equalities minister Kemi Badenoch should 'shut up', which Rowling argues shows a lack of concern for women who want 'female-only' spaces. Tennant believes that the critics of trans issues are a minority and that trans youth should not feel discouraged. However, Rowling highlights the concerns of rape survivors, nurses, and female athletes regarding trans issues. She also mentions the ban on trans women who have committed sexual offenses from entering women's prisons in England and Wales. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has suggested amending the definition of sex under the Equality Act for greater legal clarity. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Kemi Badenoch have criticized Tennant's remarks, with Badenoch accusing him of prioritizing applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls [a46059cd].
In addition to her criticism of David Tennant, J.K. Rowling has also criticized Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Rowling denounced Starmer as untrustworthy and urged women voters to boycott Labour. She questions Starmer's judgment and character, accusing him of abandoning women. Rowling, who has been a victim of trans extremists for supporting women's rights, expressed her concerns about Starmer's support for the pernicious doctrine of sexual self-identification. She also highlighted his attack on a fellow Labour MP who stated that 'only a woman can have a cervix'. Rowling warned that under a Labour government, divisive new rules outlawing white privilege, blasphemy against Islam, and criticism of transgender issues would be implemented. She expressed concern that social warriors would have control over government-picked quangos and enforcement agencies if Starmer became Prime Minister. Rowling acknowledged that her wealth and public profile may protect her, but she expressed worry for others who would be obliged to conform to the ideology of fake equality. The article also mentions the possibility of disgraced ex-Speaker John Bercow being included in Starmer's honours list [4cd0c84a] [f91584e6].
Meanwhile, Ursula Doyle, a publishing professional with 30 years of experience, has left her job due to hounding and abuse from colleagues who disagree with her gender-critical (GC) opinions and her decision to publish authors who share them. She has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for her discrimination claim against her former employer, Hachette UK. The initial funding target of £30,000 was met in less than a day, with over 1,200 pledges. Ursula Doyle's case highlights the challenges faced by gender-critical authors in finding publishers and the hostile environment for those who express dissenting views on sex and gender. She is also challenging Hachette's trans-inclusion policy, which allows men who identify as women to use women's facilities. Doyle's lawyers believe her case is strong, and she is represented by Richard Linskell of Gunnercooke LLP and Naomi Cunningham of Outer Temple Chambers. The funds raised will cover legal fees for the upcoming procedural hearing in August and subsequent steps leading up to the trial. Doyle aims to strike a blow for freedom of speech in publishing and is reluctant to settle the case unless it achieves a public impact. The crowdfunding campaign has received widespread support, both through donations and by sharing the campaign link. The success of the campaign demonstrates the public's concern for cases like Doyle's and their willingness to support individuals who speak out [1b85e6a1].