JK Rowling criticises Labour Party stance on gender equality as debate on legal definitions heats up

Author and women's rights advocate JK Rowling took aim at the Labour Party for what she described as 'complacency and indifference' towards women's rights, amidst a heated debate over proposed changes to the Equality Act to protect women's spaces. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to clarify the term 'biological sex' in the Act, a move opposed by Labour but championed by Conservative Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch.

On June 3, 2024, JK Rowling, a prominent advocate for women's rights, criticized the Labour Party's stance on gender equality issues. She condemned the party's "complacency and indifference" towards women's rights while defending Conservative Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch, who was labeled "spiteful" for proposing changes to equality laws to protect women’s spaces.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to revise these laws by clarifying that the term "biological sex" would be used in the Equality Act if the Conservatives win the upcoming general election. Labour has opposed these changes, stating the current Act already provides necessary protections for biological women and should be clarified through guidance rather than new legislation.

Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey maintained that existing laws sufficiently safeguard single-sex spaces. The debate intensified with Labour figures denouncing Sunak's proposals as discriminatory while Badenoch and other Conservatives advocated for clear legal definitions to protect women’s rights.