by Aspen Weinberg ’25

Renowned author JK Rowling has stirred controversy once again, this time by publicly challenging Scotland’s hate crime legislation. The Harry Potter creator, who has previously been involved in debates regarding gender identity and feminism, took to social media to express her concerns about the proposed changes to the law. 

Scotland’s Hate Crime and Public Order Bill, which aims to modernize and consolidate hate crime legislation in the country, has faced criticism from various quarters since its introduction. Critics argue that the bill’s provisions regarding “stirring up hatred” could potentially stifle freedom of expression and impede open discourse.

Rowling, a long-time resident of Scotland, voiced her opposition to the bill in a series of tweets, stating, “As a lifelong advocate for free speech, I’m concerned about the implications of the Hate Crime Bill for the fundamental right to express opinions, including those that some may find offensive or controversial.”

The author’s comments ignited a firestorm on social media, with both supporters and detractors weighing in on the debate. While some praised Rowling for defending free speech, others accused her of being insensitive to the experiences of marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals, whom she has clashed with in the past over her views on gender identity.

With her many posts on social media and to journalists looking to report on the issue, many queer advocates have called Rowling out for calling transgender women, men. She also claimed that freedom of speech would be, sooner or later, revoked as a right under Scotland’s constitution if an accurate description of biological sex was ignored.

Rowling has attempted to clarify her stance, emphasizing that she is not condoning hate speech but rather advocating for a robust legal framework that protects both freedom of expression and vulnerable communities.

The Scottish government has defended the proposed legislation, arguing that it strikes the right balance between protecting marginalized groups and upholding free speech rights. Justice Secretary Fiona Hyslop reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating hate speech and discrimination, stating, “The Hate Crime Bill is a vital tool in our efforts to create a more inclusive and tolerant society.”

Despite the contentious nature of the debate, Rowling’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the complexities surrounding hate crime legislation and the broader issue of free speech in the digital age. As Scotland grapples with these challenges, the outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications for the future of freedom of expression in the country.