JK Rowling will not face prosecution following online comments about Scotland's new hate crime laws

Police in the UK have said JK Rowling’s recent online comments about Scotland’s new hate crime laws “are not assessed to be criminal”.

The new legislation, which was adopted on Monday, looks to tackle harm caused by abusive behaviour to people on the basis of age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

"I hope every woman in Scotland who wishes to speak up for the reality and importance of biological sex will be reassured by this announcement,” said Rowling, in response to the police’s decision on Tuesday. “And I trust that all women - irrespective of profile or financial means - will be treated equally under the law."

Critics like Rowling have claimed the new laws could restrict free speech, and that the protections offered are not extended to women.

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has defended the legislation, citing a "rising tide of hatred against people because of their protected characteristics."

Similar laws already exist for racial hatred, with Yousaf adding that the new act will be "policed sensibly."  The Scottish government has also said separate laws will be implemented to specifically tackle misogyny.

Posting previously about the issue on social media, Rowling said she would "look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment".

In the post in question, Rowling spoke out against trans women, reacting to comments from Scottish minister Siobhan Brown, who said people “could be investigated” for misgendering someone on social media.

🎉🌼🌸April Fools! 🌸🌼🎉

Only kidding. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren't women at all, but men, every last one of them.

In passing the Scottish Hate Crime Act, Scottish lawmakers seem to have placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their…

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 1, 2024