Harry Potter author JK Rowling
Harry Potter author JK Rowling has criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after he appointed veteran Labour leader Harriet Harman as Downing Street’s adviser on women and girls, citing Harman’s past statements on trans women as part of a broader clash over gender identity politics in Britain.The appointment has reopened long-running divisions over sex and gender definitions in UK public life, with Rowling accusing the government of overlooking concerns of biological women.
Starmer appoints Harriet Harman as women’s adviser
Starmer announced Harman’s appointment on social media, praising her as a long-time advocate for women and girls and saying she would help expand opportunities for women in public life.Harman, one of Labour’s most senior figures and the party’s former deputy leader, has previously expressed inclusive views on gender identity, stating in 2022 that trans women are women, while also acknowledging biological distinctions.Harman’s appointment – given her inclusive stance on trans women – has become a talking point for critics who argue Labour is not clearly defining its position on gender issues.
Rowling’s sharp response: ‘Define what you defend’
Rowling strongly criticised the decision, arguing that Harman’s past stance reflects what she sees as political hesitation on defining womanhood clearly.Responding online, Rowling said: “You cannot defend what you’re afraid to define.”She later added that those unwilling to challenge what she calls “gender ideology” in politics lack the courage to protect women’s rights.Rowling also accused Labour of moving away from women voters who expect stronger protections in single-sex spaces.
Long-running Rowling stance on trans issues
The controversy ties into Rowling’s sustained public position on gender identity, which has made her one of the most prominent voices in the UK debate on trans rights.In 2020, Rowling publicly defended biological sex as “immutable” and argued that women’s rights to single-sex spaces must be protected.She also backed researcher Maya Forstater after she lost her job over gender-critical views, writing at the time that women should be free to raise concerns about sex-based rights without fear of being labelled bigots.Rowling has said she supports protections for trans people but remains concerned about the impact of gender self-identification policies on women’s safety and privacy.
