JK Rowling Escapes Scottish Hate Speech Law Investigation: Free Speech Controversy
JK Rowling will not be investigated by Police Scotland for her criticism of a new Scottish hate speech law.
The author, known for her opposition to the gender identity movement, expressed concerns that the law could be used to silence those speaking out against the elimination of single-sex spaces for women.
Despite her comments, there will be no probe into Rowling's remarks.
A Scottish lawmaker criticized a new Scottish hate crime law, expressing concern that it could be used to silence those speaking out against the elimination of single-sex spaces for women.
She threatened to be arrested upon her return to Scotland if her comments were considered offensive under the new act.
Police Scotland received complaints about her post but decided not to take further action as the comments were not criminal.
The Scottish parliament passed the act to consolidate existing hate crime legislation and ban hatred against several groups.
The text discusses protected characteristics such as age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
JK Rowling and others argue that a new law does not provide additional protection for women and girls.
Rowling has faced backlash, including online abuse, death threats, and accusations of transphobia, for supporting a woman who lost her job for expressing the view that transgender people cannot change their biological sex.