J.K. ROWLING has slammed Humza Yousaf’s new Hate Crime Act branding the law “ludicrous” and promising Scots to “stand by for the mother of all April Fools’ Jokes”.
The Harry Potter author snapped a picture of a reply on social media yesterday from a man advising her she was best to delete her post about trans broadcaster India Willoughby.
Rowling, who has time and again stood up for women’s rights in the trans debate, offered her views in a scathing cut-down of the SNP’s politics.
The 58-year-old told followers on social media that she wouldn’t be deleting posts for “calling a man a man”.
The new law will come into effect from the start of next month with many critics stating the law goes too far.
As of April 1, the law extends to offences including groups with protected characteristics so that a hate speech crime could relate to groups based on transgender identity.
Section 4 of the Hate Crime Act indicates that if something is said which a “reasonable person” would consider “insulting”, police could act by investigating the allegation.
However, Rowling seems unfazed by the upcoming legislation and instead shared her plans to continue to campaign for women’s rights online.
The multi-millionaire took to social media last night sharing the reply with the caption: “If you genuinely imagine I’d delete posts calling a man a man, so as not to be prosecuted under this ludicrous law, stand by for the mother of all April Fools’ Jokes.”
Her post received over 48,000 likes with more than 2,000 comments from social media users who were quick to offer their views on the situation.
Helen Staniland said: “How is it possible that anyone imagines that they can force women to capitulate on this? We will not stay silent.”
Paul Graham said: “Surely you mean parental individual of April Fools’ jokes? Or is it still legal to say mother in Scotland?”
Wanda Jean said: “J.K. Rowling – I am so glad you are on the planet. Thank you for your demonstrable integrity.”
J.K. Rowling couldn’t face police action for any current posts that happen before the first of April due to Police Scotland not implementing retrospective action to a future law.
Only posts from the start of next month would potentially meet the threshold for the police to get involved.
