Stop the fight!
The Legacy Media and the Left (but we repeat ourselves) declared war on “Harry Potter” author <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/jk-rowling">J.K. Rowling</a> in 2019 after she questioned elements of the trans agenda.
Rowling, a certified progressive on cultural and political matters, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/5-years-ago-j-k-rowling-took-a-stand-against-trans-activists-she-hasnt-backed-down">refused to rubber stamp every aspect of the movement</a>.
<blockquote>Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who’ll have you. Live your best life in peace and security. But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real?</blockquote>
For that, she was canceled in every way possible, over and again.
<a href="https://thehill.com/video/jk-rowling-speaks-out-on-death-threats-from-pro-trans-activists-rape-murder-and-violence/10265832/">Some attempts proved literal.</a> She was the queen of the TERFS to the Left — Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists.
Now, nearly six years later, she’s emerged as a leading voice for sanity in the trans arena. She repeatedly speaks her mind on X, fights back against her legion of critics and is a key player behind one of the most anticipated streaming shows of our time.
HBO Max&#8217;s new <a href="https://deadline.com/2025/06/harry-potter-tv-series-max-release-date-cast-1235323284/">“Harry Potter” series,</a> due in either late 2026 or 2027, will retell the seven-book series captured in the epic eight-part film saga.
The battle rages on all the same, and she refuses to apologize. Still.
She’s blasted <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jk-rowling-calls-out-trans-activist-creep-over-womens-bathroom-selfies">a “creepy” trans activist</a> for bathroom selfies, slammed attempts to conflate the Pope’s name with an <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jk-rowling-says-shes-found-the-most-bat-s-gender-identity-argument-yet">absurd trans argument</a> and stated the obvious when it comes to casting the new “Potter” series.
She responded to a journalist’s provocative narrative suggesting she wouldn’t hire an actor who <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jk-rowling-said-she-wouldnt-fire-actor-from-harry-potter-series-for-being-pro-trans">disagreed with her trans issues</a>.
<blockquote>I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did … I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.</blockquote>
That likely would have been a staunchly liberal stance 20 years ago. Those comments sound positively conservative in 2025, even though Rowling has never identified herself as conservative.
Either way, it’s refreshing to see an author embrace free speech.
<div id="attachment_503922" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-503922" class="size-large wp-image-503922" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/02/GettyImages-1193618855-864x576.jpg" alt="NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 12: J.K. Rowling arrives at the 2019 RFK Ripple of Hope Awards at New York Hilton Midtown on December 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/02/GettyImages-1193618855-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/02/GettyImages-1193618855-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/02/GettyImages-1193618855-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2023/02/GettyImages-1193618855.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images</div>
Actors linked to the “Harry Potter” universe, either the existing films or the future TV show, are continually asked about Rowling’s views on trans issues. The media remains obsessed with Rowling’s willingness to speak her mind and share views considered mainstream by many.
Future “Harry Potter” star Nick Frost – he is tentatively set to play Hagrid in the TV series – blazed a <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/harry-potter-nick-frost-jk-rowling-trans-views-dont-align-1236423365/">mature path on the matter</a>.
<blockquote>She’s allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form.</blockquote>
Translation: A gig’s a gig, most likely. Frost still suggested in the same interview we need to “educate ourselves” on trans issues. The sight of too many trans female athletes dominating biological females may be all the learning we need, Hagrid 2.0.
Tom Felton, who played the wicked Draco Malfoy in the original films, sidestepped a leading question on the red carpet while throwing his support behind Rowling. He’s co-starring in a Broadway adaption of Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
He didn’t share his stance on trans issues with the scribe. He simply praised an author who made his <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/06/09/tom-felton-jk-rowling-broadway-harry-potter/84111570007/">career shine impossibly brighter</a>.
<blockquote>The only thing I always remind myself is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world. Here I am in New York … and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she’s responsible for that. So I’m incredibly grateful.</blockquote>
Compare that to the verbal brickbats thrown by the original Harry Potter and Hermione, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, at Rowling over her trans views.
<div id="attachment_934305" style="width: 897px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-934305" class="size-large wp-image-934305" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-118421523-887x576.jpg" alt="LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Actor Daniel Radcliffe, writer J.K. Rowling, actress Emma Watson and actor Rupert Grint attend the &quot;Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2&quot; world premiere at Trafalgar Square on July 7, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jon Furniss/WireImage)" width="887" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-118421523-887x576.jpg 887w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-118421523-300x195.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-118421523-768x499.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/06/GettyImages-118421523.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 887px) 100vw, 887px" />Jon Furniss/WireImage</div>
Here’s the former Harry Potter <a href="https://ew.com/daniel-radcliffe-j-k-rowlings-anti-trans-rhetoric-really-sad-8641559">taking her to task for her views</a>.
<blockquote>It makes me really sad, ultimately … I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote, and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic.</blockquote>
HBO Max has had Rowling’s back for some time. The streamer also sees a shifting cultural landscape. The Warner Bros. Discovery platform might have chafed at joining forces with Rowling four or five years ago.
That was before Riley Gaines struck endless blows on behalf of biological women and Matt Walsh’s groundbreaking documentary “What Is a Woman?” had yet to be released.
Remember the tiny role Rowling played in the 2022 “Harry Potter” reunion special on HBO Max? Rowling said she <a href="https://variety.com/2022/film/news/jk-rowling-harry-potter-anniversary-special-absence-explained-1235352807/">declined an invitation to appear</a>, but her archival footage proved brief and perfunctory.
Surely there’s countless footage of the author exploring the magical universe that transported countless children while teaching them to love reading?
Now, the streamer is desperate to stay in her good graces and wring every eyeball possible from the upcoming series. <a href="https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/hbo-makes-decision-on-relationship-with-j-k-rowling">HBO CEO Casey Bloys</a> made that obvious earlier this year.
<blockquote>It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them. ‘Harry Potter’ is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.</blockquote>
Rowling never wavered through it all. One could argue she has enough money to ignore Cancel Culture and the media, but others with very deep pockets bowed to the progressive mob in short order.
Take Stephen King. The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7936237/Stephen-King-apologizes-controversial-tweets-diversity-Oscars.html">horror maestro backpedaled</a> when progressives attacked him for suggesting merit matters more in the arts than diversity box checking. He even penned a mewling apology/essay in The Washington Post to keep the Cancel Culture mob at bay.
Scarlett Johansson, arguably the most popular actress in the country, similarly did the Hostage Apology routine after <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/scarlett-johansson-says-she-mishandled-transgender-casting-controversy-n1092131">she briefly accepted a gig playing a trans person</a>. That film, “Rub and Tug,” never got made sans the actress’ clout and star power.
Rowling has stayed true to her beliefs and has only grown bolder since the 2019 dustup. She trusted “Harry Potter” fans, or enough of them at least, would have her back.
She was right.
* * *
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

J.K. Rowling At EE British Academy Film Awards

Expelliarmus! J.K. Rowling Disarms Her Critics Again And Again

Cancel Culture

Entertainment

Harry Potter

HBO Max

JK Rowling

Legacy Media

Opinion

Transgender

Twitter

Actor Tom Felton didn’t take the bait when a reporter asked him about the controversy over JK Rowling taking a stand against radical trans activists. 
The 37-year-old celeb, who played the villain Draco Malfoy in the successful “Harry Potter” film franchise and will reprise the role for the upcoming Broadway production, was asked about the matter Sunday night at the Tony Awards. When a Variety reporter asked Felton if Rowling’s views affected him or his work, he rejected the suggestion and reiterated his support for Rowling.
&#8220;No, I can&#8217;t say it does. I&#8217;m not really that attuned to it,” the British star said. 
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&#8220;The only thing I always remind myself is that I&#8217;ve been lucky enough to travel the world. Here I am in New York,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she&#8217;s responsible for that. So I&#8217;m incredibly grateful.&#8221;
Over the past five years, Rowling has faced scorn in the media and among former fans for taking the position that sex and gender are determined by biology. Most “Harry Potter” actors <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/j-k-rowling-vs-the-trans-agenda-heres-what-harry-potter-cast-members-have-said-about-the-ongoing-battle">denounced her position</a> and distanced themselves from the billionaire author, but several have come to her defense.
It all started in 2020 with a series of viral tweets from Rowling stating her position. “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth,” she wrote in part at the time.
British star Daniel Radcliffe, who played the main character Harry Potter in the film series, wrote an essay for The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ-focused nonprofit, in the wake of Rowling’s viral tweets. 
“I firmly stand with the trans community,” Rupert Grint, the actor who played Ron Weasley, said in a statement at the time. 
“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are,” Emma Watson, who played Hermione, shared on Twitter in June 2020.
“Fantastic Beasts” star Eddie Redmayne said he was pro-trans rights, but also noted that critics were being way too hard on Rowling, calling the online backlash “absolutely disgusting.”
Actor Ralph Fiennes, who plays Lord Voldemort in the “Harry Potter” franchise, has been one of Rowling’s staunchest defenders.
“I can’t understand the vitriol directed at her,” Fiennes said in a March 2021 interview. “I can understand the heat of an argument, but I find this age of accusation and the need to condemn irrational. I find the level of hatred that people express about views that differ from theirs, and the violence of language toward others, disturbing.”
Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” movies, also came to Rowling’s defense prior to his death in October 2022.
“I don’t think what she said was offensive, really,” he told Radio Times in 2020. “I don’t know why, but there’s a whole Twitter generation of people who hang around waiting to be offended. They wouldn’t have won the war, would they?”

Tom Felton

‘Harry Potter’ Actor Shoots Down Reporter Goading Him To Badmouth JK Rowling

'Harry Potter' Actor Shoots Down Reporter Goading Him To Badmouth JK Rowling

Celebrities

World

The three main characters for the HBO television adaptation of “Harry Potter” have been announced, and comments were shut off on social media, presumably to protect the young actors.
Per <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/harry-potter-hbo-series-casts-harry-ron-hermione-1236410755/">Variety</a>, Dominic McLaughlin was cast in the lead role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley. The outlet noted that more than 30,000 actors auditioned for the three parts.
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“After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there,” showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer and director Mark Mylod said in a joint statement.
The actors are relatively unknown in the industry, but if their trajectory is anything like the original stars from the “Harry Potter” film series, these roles could turn them into household names. Daniel Radcliffe, who played the original Harry, along with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who played Ron and Hermione respectively, went on to have successful post-&#8220;Potter&#8221; careers.
McLaughlin is credited with appearing in “Grow,” an upcoming comedy. Stanton starred as Matilda in “Matilda: The Musical” for one year on the London theater circuit. Stout, meanwhile, has not had a major role yet.
Other confirmed stars for the highly anticipated TV series include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon will also take on the recurring role of Quirinus Quirrell, while Paul Whitehouse is set to play the recurring role of Argus Filch, The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hbo-confirms-harry-potter-tv-series-casting-for-dumbledore-snape-and-hagrid">reported</a>.
According to the show’s logline, the series will be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.”
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=memorial&amp;utm_content=editorialmemorialday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get 40% Off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships</a>
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” it says. “Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
HBO execs previously voiced support for “Harry Potter” author Rowling and defended their decision to keep her on as executive producer despite the backlash she’s received from leftists. The billionaire author has been labeled a “TERF” (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) for rejecting radical gender theory.
“J.K. is an executive producer, and her insights will be helpful,” Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, previously said. “We are in the Harry Potter business.”
“J.K. is a very online conversation … It’s very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into,” he added. “Our priority is what’s onscreen. The Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive about love and acceptance, and that’s our priority, what’s on the screen.”
Filming for the TV series is slated for later this summer.

Harry Potter cast

‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Casts Three Main Characters

'Harry Potter' TV Series Casts Three Main Characters

Television

U.S.

“Harry Potter” author JK Rowling said that even if she had the authority to have an actor removed from the upcoming HBO television series based on her best-selling books, she would not do it over ideological differences.
“I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did,” the billionaire author <a href="https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1919358232629297559">wrote</a> on X in response to an article about Paapa Essiedu supporting rights for people who identify as transgender. “I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”
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I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did. I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. <a href="https://t.co/nKcAl3gcvO">pic.twitter.com/nKcAl3gcvO</a>
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1919358232629297559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Several celebrities from “Harry Potter” projects, both past and present, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/harry-potter-stars-sign-letter-supporting-trans-rights-as-jk-rowling-celebrates-u-k-court-ruling">signed</a> an open letter declaring their belief that the historic Supreme Court of the United Kingdom ruling that the definition of a woman is determined by biological sex was wrong.
Eddie Redmayne, star of the spin-off prequel franchise “Fantastic Beasts,” signed the letter, as did Essiedu, who will portray Severus Snape in the upcoming HBO series. Katie Leung, an actress from the original films, also added her name.
“We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, nonbinary and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 16,” the open letter says.
“We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK,” it said. “Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.”
On Saturday, Rowling had reacted to the open letter with another X <a href="https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1918747065460420745">post</a>. “In light of recent open letters from academia and the arts criticising the UK’s Supreme Court ruling on sex-based rights, it’s possibly worth remembering that nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn’t a material fact,” the author wrote.
&#8220;History is littered with the debris of irrational and harmful belief systems that once seemed unassailable,&#8221; she continued in the lengthy post. &#8220;As Orwell said, &#8216;Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them.&#8217; Gender ideology may have embedded itself deeply into our institutions, where it&#8217;s been imposed, top-down, on the supposedly unenlightened, but it is not invulnerable.&#8221;
&#8220;I wonder if they ever ask themselves how they got here, and I wonder whether any of them will ever feel shame,&#8221; she concluded.
Rowling has been an outspoken critic of radical left-wing gender theory for years. She has refused to back down even as critics came after her, and she’s lost fans because of it.
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In light of recent open letters from academia and the arts criticising the UK&#39;s Supreme Court ruling on sex-based rights, it&#39;s possibly worth remembering that nobody sane believes, or has ever believed, that humans can change sex, or that binary sex isn&#39;t a material fact. These…
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1918747065460420745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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JK Rowling Said She ‘Wouldn’t Fire’ Actor From ‘Harry Potter’ Series For Being Pro-Trans

JK Rowling Said She 'Wouldn't Fire' Actor From 'Harry Potter' Show For Being Pro-Trans

nonbinary

Social Issues

“Harry Potter” actors are making their position on the trans debate clear in the wake of the historic Supreme Court of the United Kingdom ruling that the definition of a woman is determined by biological sex.
Several celebrities from “Harry Potter” projects both past and present signed an open letter declaring their belief that the ruling was wrong.
Eddie Redmayne, star of the spin-off prequel franchise “Fantastic Beasts,” signed the letter, as did Paapa Essiedu, who will portray Severus Snape in the upcoming “Harry Potter” television adaptation from HBO. Katie Leung, an actress from the original films, also added her name to the document, per <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/uk/media/article/harry-potter-actors-letter-trans-supreme-court-ruling-gc3hjxjqj">The Times of London</a>.
“We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, nonbinary and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 16,” the open letter says.
“We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK,” it said. “Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.”
Redmayne, Essiedu, Leung and more than 2,000 other individuals added their names to the letter. Other celebrity signatories include “The Last of Us” star Bella Ramsey, “The Brutalist” actor and Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, and “Bridgerton” actress Nicola Coughlan.
Meanwhile, Rowling, who has been openly critical of the radical trans agenda for years, has been celebrating the Supreme Court ruling as a great victory.
“Think I might be having a cigar later,” Rowling shared on X April 16 after the ruling was handed down.
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I love it when a plan comes together.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SupremeCourt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SupremeCourt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensRights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomensRights</a> <a href="https://t.co/agOkWmhPgb">pic.twitter.com/agOkWmhPgb</a>
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1912644919103004807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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“It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK,” the billionaire “Harry Potter” author wrote in a follow-up later. “I’m so proud to know you.”
Leftist fans and trans activists were furious that Rowling would be involved in the upcoming TV adaptation, but HBO <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hbo-stands-by-j-k-rowling-despite-pressure-to-denounce-her-transgender-comments?author=Amanda+Harding&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=HBO+Stands+By+J.K.+Rowling+Despite+Pressure+To+Denounce+Her+Transgender+Comments">released a statement</a> last fall confirming she would be involved despite the backlash.
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement said. “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”

Eddie Redmayne

‘Harry Potter’ Stars Sign Letter Supporting Trans Rights As JK Rowling Celebrates U.K. Court Ruling

'Harry Potter' Stars Sign Letter Supporting Trans Rights As JK Rowling Celebrates U.K. Court Ruling

Hollywood

United Kingdom

Several actors cast in the highly anticipated “Harry Potter” television series coming to HBO have just been announced.
Confirmed stars so far <a href="https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/hbo-0/hbo-original-harry-potter-series-casts-john-lithgow-janet-mcteer-paapa-essiedu-nick">include</a> John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon will also take on the recurring role of Quirinus Quirrell, while Paul Whitehouse is set to play the recurring role of Argus Filch.
“We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,” showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod said in a statement. “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”
The main roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione have yet to be announced. Variety <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/harry-potter-hbo-series-dumbledore-snape-mcgonagall-hagrid-1236368778/">noted</a> that HBO hosted open auditions for the part and received more than 30,000 submissions. 
According to the show&#8217;s logline, the series will be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.”
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” it says. “Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
HBO execs previously voiced support for “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and defended their decision to keep her on as executive producer despite the backlash she’s gotten from leftists. The billionaire author has been labeled a “TERF” (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) for rejecting radical gender theory.
“J.K. is an executive producer, and her insights will be helpful,” Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content said in 2023, as The Daily Wire previously reported. “We are in the Harry Potter business.”
“J.K. is a very online conversation … It’s very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into,” said Bloys. “Our priority is what’s onscreen. The Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive about love and acceptance, and that’s our priority, what’s on the screen.”
Filming on the TV series is slated to begin this summer.

John Lithgow

HBO Confirms ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Casting For Dumbledore, Snape, And Hagrid

HBO Confirms 'Harry Potter' TV Series Casting For Dumbledore, Snape, And Hagrid

J.K. Rowling

Author JK Rowling took on trans-identifying male activist India Willoughby in a brutal April Fools&#8217; Day joke shared from her X account on Tuesday.
Rowling has long been a vocal advocate for women and for women&#8217;s-only spaces — which has often put her at odds with radical trans activists like Willoughby, who refer to her as a Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist (TERF) — but she announced on Tuesday that she had recently seen the light and was making a dramatic change.
&#8220;Thrilled to announce I&#8217;ll be appearing alongside India Willoughby in an exciting new BBC documentary: &#8216;Why Men Make Better Women Than Women.&#8217; India will be coaching me on where I&#8217;ve been going wrong all these years and the whole thing will be filmed inside India&#8217;s Fiat 500,&#8221; Rowling posted.
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I&#39;m frankly alarmed by the number of people who know this is an April Fool&#39;s joke, but wish it was true. ☝️
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1907117678117937645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
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She later added a brief follow-up, <a href="https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1907117678117937645">saying</a>, &#8220;I&#8217;m frankly alarmed by the number of people who know this is an April Fool&#8217;s joke, but wish it was true.&#8221;
Rowling responded to a number of the comments replying to her joke, including one who asked what lesson she. most hoped to learn from Willoughby.
&#8220;Really difficult to choose just one thing, but if you put me on the spot I&#8217;d say, how to achieve the very delicate and feminine mix of rage and resentment that appears to consume India at all times. Also contouring,&#8221; the &#8220;Harry Potter&#8221; author <a href="https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1907017246590808157">said</a>.
Another suggested that they should do karaoke in the car, prompting Rowling to <a href="https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1907043846808015226">respond</a>, &#8220;I&#8217;m confident our joint rendition of &#8216;Man, I feel Like a Woman&#8217; will become the most popular cover song of all time.&#8221;
Rowling&#8217;s typical exchanges with Willoughby are markedly different – like one from several days earlier responding to Willoughby&#8217;s claim that there were no men taking women&#8217;s places in sports.
&#8220;.@Indiawilloughby I know facts aren&#8217;t your strong point, but your assertion that trans-identified men aren&#8217;t winning medals in the female category &#8216;because we&#8217;re rubbish at sport&#8217; is bollocks in every possible sense,&#8221; Rowling said, sharing a United Nations study showing that trans-identifying men have won some 900 medals in women&#8217;s sporting competitions.
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaWilloughby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaWilloughby</a> I know facts aren&#39;t your strong point, but your assertion that trans-identified men aren&#39;t winning medals in the female category &#39;because we&#39;re rubbish at sport&#39; is bollocks in every possible sense.<a href="https://t.co/MOWKOrksDV">https://t.co/MOWKOrksDV</a>
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1904880748013777038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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JK Rowling Mocks Radical Trans Activist In Brutal April Fools’ Joke

JK Rowling Mocks Radical Trans Activist In Brutal April Fool’s Joke

gender ideology

Politics

Hollywood star John Lithgow has confirmed reports that he scored the coveted role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO “Harry Potter” TV series.
Speaking to <a href="https://screenrant.com/harry-potter-show-john-lithgow-dumbledore-casting-confirmed/">ScreenRant</a>, the 79-year-old actor said he’d accepted the leading role, previously held by the late actors Michael Gambon and Richard Harris in the hugely successful “Harry Potter” movie franchise based on the books by J.K. Rowling. It comes after reports surfaced last week that the actor was nearing a deal for the role.
“Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it&#8217;s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I&#8217;m afraid,” Lithgow said, noting the lengthy time commitment for the part.
“But I&#8217;m very excited,” he added. “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to ‘Harry Potter.’ That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s been such a hard decision. I&#8217;ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I&#8217;ve said yes.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
John Lithgow confirms he will play Dumbledore in the ‘HARRY POTTER’ series.
“It&#8217;s going to define me for the last chapter of my life&#8230; I&#8217;ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I&#8217;ve said yes”
(Source: <a href="https://t.co/xXLExs4niV">https://t.co/xXLExs4niV</a>) <a href="https://t.co/AQWc0kiryp">pic.twitter.com/AQWc0kiryp</a>
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1894462917174542558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
Few details have been released about the rest of the cast of the highly-anticipated series, which follows the success of the films and books.
HBO previously confirmed that filming for the series would start in the U.K. in summer of 2025, with a possible release in 2026, the outlet noted.
In December, reports surfaced that British star Paapa Essiedu was reportedly being looked at to play the role of Professor Severus Snape in the HBO adaptation.
At the time, several sources confirmed to <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/harry-potter-tv-series-paapa-essiedu-severus-snape-1236235548/">Variety</a> that the 34-year-old actor could land the role of Snape in the upcoming <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hbo-stands-by-j-k-rowling-despite-pressure-to-denounce-her-transgender-comments">series</a>, a role previously held by the late Alan Rickman in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise.
There’s still no word if Essiedu has accepted the part, and HBO has only issued a statement to the outlet that read, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
According to the logline, the series will be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.”
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” it added. “Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/british-actor-being-looked-at-for-major-role-in-new-harry-potter-and-fans-arent-happy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">British Actor Being Looked At For Major Role In New ‘Harry Potter,’ And Fans Aren’t Happy</a>

John Lithgow Confirms Leading Role In HBO ‘Harry Potter’ Series

Movies

Author <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/j-k-rowling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J.K. Rowling</a> celebrated her 23rd wedding anniversary on Thursday, sharing a rare photo of herself with her husband, Neil Murray, via X — and of course, there was at least one activist who couldn&#8217;t bear to allow her even a moment of happiness.
Rowling shared the photo of herself with Murray, both of whom appeared relaxed and happy, on Thursday morning. &#8220;Married 23 years today,&#8221; the &#8220;Harry Potter&#8221; author declared.
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Married 23 years today ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/tQaPYrqBO6">pic.twitter.com/tQaPYrqBO6</a>
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1872229665718563208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The reply, which has since been deleted and the post author&#8217;s entire account protected, said simply, &#8220;I hope he leaves you for a trans woman.&#8221;
Rowling captured a screenshot of the post before it was deleted, and revealed that she had shared her critic&#8217;s wish with her husband.
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&#8220;I just read this to Neil and he said something that made me laugh so hard I nearly coughed up a kidney,&#8221; she said.
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I just read this to Neil and he said something that made me laugh so hard I nearly coughed up a kidney 🤣😆🤣😆 <a href="https://t.co/Emmueo78gU">pic.twitter.com/Emmueo78gU</a>
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1872341287556481216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Fans begged Rowling to reveal what her husband had said, but she refused, saying, &#8220;I’m not about to get my husband cancelled. One in the family’s enough!&#8221;
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I’m not about to get my husband cancelled. One in the family’s enough!
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1872343046546960408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Rowling, a staunch advocate for women&#8217;s sex-based rights and private spaces, has often found herself the target of radical transgender activists — who have, in addition to labeling her a trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF), threatened her life on <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/j-k-rowling-speaks-out-after-doxxing-so-many-death-threats-i-could-paper-the-house" target="_blank" rel="noopener">numerous occasions</a>.
After one such incident in which she was &#8220;doxxed&#8221; — her home address was posted publicly — she responded by doubling down on her position.
&#8220;I have to assume that @IAmGeorgiaFrost, @hollywstars and @Richard_Energy_ thought doxxing me would intimidate me out of speaking up for women’s sex-based rights. They should have reflected on the fact that I’ve now received so many death threats I could paper the house with them, and I haven’t stopped speaking out,” Rowling said. “Perhaps – and I’m just throwing this out there – the best way to prove your movement isn’t a threat to women, is to stop stalking, harassing and threatening us.&#8221;

J.K. Rowling Celebrates Wedding Anniversary: Radical Trans Activist Hardest Hit

British star Paapa Essiedu is reportedly being looked at to play the role of Professor Severus Snape in a new HBO adaptation of &#8220;<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/harry-potter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harry Potter</a>,&#8221; and fans have made it clear they aren’t happy about it.
On Thursday, several sources confirmed to <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/harry-potter-tv-series-paapa-essiedu-severus-snape-1236235548/">Variety</a> that the 34-year-old actor could land the role of Snape in the upcoming <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hbo-stands-by-j-k-rowling-despite-pressure-to-denounce-her-transgender-comments">series</a>, a role previously held by the late Alan Rickman in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise.
There’s no word yet if Essiedu has accepted the part and HBO would only release a statement to that outlet that read, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
According to the logline, the series will be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
No. Please, no. Severus Snape should follow the character described in the book. 
It&#8217;ll be awry seeing a black man play Snape (and I&#8217;m black so it&#8217;s not a race thing)
These cultural swaps would become the main focus of the series instead of what it actually is<a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jk_rowling</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qy6DcZgkpo">https://t.co/Qy6DcZgkpo</a>
— Ogbe Precious (@ogbeprecious_) <a href="https://twitter.com/ogbeprecious_/status/1864610370612027533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” it added. “Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
It was the line about a “faithful adaptation” of the book that many fans who criticized the British star’s possible part pointed out in their comments online.
“No. Please, no,” one person wrote on <a href="https://x.com/ogbeprecious_/status/1864610370612027533">X</a>. “Severus Snape should follow the character described in the book. It&#8217;ll be awry seeing a black man play Snape (and I&#8217;m black so it&#8217;s not a race thing) These cultural swaps would become the main focus of the series instead of what it actually is @jk_rowling.”
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A “Harry Potter” fan account <a href="https://x.com/HPotterUniverse/status/1864477091586101554">wrote</a>, “The creators of the show, including J.K. Rowling, said that the TV series would be a faithful adaptation of the books. Snape is described in the books as being a ‘thin man with greasy, shoulder-length black hair, a large hooked nose, sallow skin, and cold, black eyes.’”
“The drawing below was drawn by J.K. Rowling herself, which correlates with how she described Snape’s appearance in the books,” the post added. “They haven’t even started filming this TV series and they are already deviating from the books. Personally, I am disappointed…”
While a third person <a href="https://x.com/neganokkotsu/status/1864619689080422685">wrote</a>, “Why is my timeline full with this s*** ??? Cancel the whole show I bet he&#8217;s an amazing actor but he&#8217;s NOT Severus Snape f*** this woke s***.”
The “Harry Potter” series is slated to be released on HBO in 2026.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/warner-bros-discovery-announces-release-date-for-harry-potter-tv-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Release Date For ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series</a>

Paapa Essiedu

British Actor Being Looked At For Major Role In New ‘Harry Potter,’ And Fans Aren’t Happy

Alan Rickman

As the debate between trans activists and more mainstream Americans rages on, HBO reps have released a statement on the network&#8217;s decision to keep “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/harry-potter">Harry Potter</a>” author <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/j-k-rowling">J.K. Rowling</a> involved in upcoming projects despite her being labeled a TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) by the Left.
The British-born author holds mostly liberal views but draws the line at affirming trans-identifying men as women, a position that has inspired a heap of backlash and boycotts over the past several years. Still, Rowling has stood firm and repeatedly reiterated her stance.
Leftist “Harry Potter” fans and several stars from the film franchise have denounced Rowling for her beliefs. However, HBO issued a statement to <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/harry-potter-hbo-series-jk-rowling-transphobia-1236215642/">Variety</a> calling her contribution to the network, which spans more than 20 years, &#8220;invaluable&#8221; and reinforced its commitment to collaborate with her as it moves forward to adapt Rowling’s book series into a TV show.
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement said. “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
HBO chief Casey Bloys had a similar take during a press event on November 12, Variety noted, saying that Rowling was “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director” and that her stance on transgender issues “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff” for the “Harry Potter” series, which is slated to be released on HBO in 2026.
The campaign to denounce Rowling <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/maybe-everyone-doesnt-hate-j-k-rowling-after-all">began in 2020</a> when the author tweeted, “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
She’s been outspoken about her beliefs ever since, frequently posting about the topic, including the controversy over trans-identifying men competing in women’s sports. 
Rowling recently <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/j-k-rowling-blasts-john-oliver-for-claiming-trans-athletes-are-no-threat-to-female-competitors">reacted</a> to late-night host John Oliver’s remarks on the topic, writing in an X post, “With a straight face, the ‘believe the science’ guys will say ‘actually, we don’t yet have enough data to say whether men and boys are stronger and faster than women and girls’. The ‘be kind’ crew can’t see what the issue is. ‘Why are you bothered, it only affects a tiny minority of females?&#8217;”
She added, “If you want to tell the world you’re happy to watch females suffer injury, humiliation and the loss of sporting opportunities to bolster an elitist post-modern ideology embraced by a minute fraction of the world’s population, fair enough; you’re allowed your opinion. But if you’ve just told girls they don’t deserve fair sport, maybe rethink using all too real and common sexual predation against young women as a punchline for your ‘edgy’ closing joke.”

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<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/scotland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scottish</a> citizens fed up with their government&#8217;s adherence to radical gender ideology — often under threat from trans activists — protested en masse, disrupting the 2022 census by marking down their religious preference as &#8220;believer in biology.&#8221;
A report detailing the write-in answers was published Thursday, and revealed that thousands had responded to a call to get involved and <a href="https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/full/10.3366/scot.2023.0440" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disrupt the 2022 census</a> from pro-woman groups like For Women Scotland.
&#8220;Fascinating to see from Scottish census data published today that nearly 3000 people identified their religion as &#8216;Believer in Biology&#8217; in a coordinated protest led by @ForWomenScot,&#8221; Professor Sarah Pedersen wrote via X, sharing links to some of the relevant census data.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
You can find the write-in responses to the religion question here Scotland&#39;s Census 2022: write-in responses for Ethnicity, National Identity, Language and Religion topic | Scotland&#39;s Census (<a href="https://t.co/KfWwnABP2v">https://t.co/KfWwnABP2v</a>) 2/
&mdash; Prof. Sarah Pedersen (@SarahPedersen2) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahPedersen2/status/1841782784035033446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The 2,883 Scots who participated in the protest responded to a question asking, &#8220;what religion, religious denomination or body do you belong to?&#8221; and wrote in, &#8220;believer in biology.&#8221;
&#8220;This is the article in which I discuss Scotland&#8217;s census and Believers in Biology — all 3000 of them,&#8221; Pedersen wrote.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This is the article in which I discuss Scotland&#39;s census and Believers in Biology &#8211; all 3000 of them. <a href="https://t.co/pS5yO9W6NM">https://t.co/pS5yO9W6NM</a>
&mdash; Prof. Sarah Pedersen (@SarahPedersen2) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahPedersen2/status/1841797187086279167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Harry Potter author and women&#8217;s rights activist J.K. Rowling confirmed that she had been a part of the action: &#8220;I was one of those people.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I was one of those people. <a href="https://t.co/gFe5gGVMwX">https://t.co/gFe5gGVMwX</a>
&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1841799647313973646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;This is great! Well done all who took part!&#8221; For Women Scotland also commented.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1726313279401000&amp;usg=AOvVaw115_qPFFEePDP86-Fvo-Vd">Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here!</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
This is great! Well done all who took part!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelieverinBiology?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelieverinBiology</a> <a href="https://t.co/96XQNYysC6">https://t.co/96XQNYysC6</a>
&mdash; For Women Scotland (@ForWomenScot) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForWomenScot/status/1841785213799579671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The protest was aimed at Scotland&#8217;s <a href="https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/legislation/bills/s6-bills/gender-recognition-reform-scotland-bill/introduced/bill-as-introduced.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gender Recognition Act</a>, which would make it easier for citizens to legally change gender identity, largely on the basis of self-identification, provided they had &#8220;lived with the acquired gender&#8221; for at least three months and promised that the change was to be permanent.
The new law eliminated two key previous requirement for a legal change of gender, reducing the legal age to apply to 16 and removing a requirement of an official diagnosis of &#8220;gender dysphoria&#8221; from a doctor.
The GRA passed Scottish Parliament in December of 2022, but the U.K. blocked the law from Royal Assent by invoking <a href="https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/section-35-scotland-gender-recognition-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 35 of the Scotland Act</a> — which allows the United Kingdom to intervene in Scotland&#8217;s legislative process — for the first time in history.

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Scottish Citizens Disrupt Census To Protest Gender Ideology, Mark Religion As ‘Believer In Biology’

Scottish Citizens Disrupt Census To Protest Gender Ideology, Mark Religion As 'Believer In Biology'

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