J.K. Rowling celebrates after U.K’s top court backs 'biological' definition of woman

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Author J.K. Rowling is ecstatic after the U.K. Supreme Court ruled that a woman is someone born biologically female, excluding transgender people from the legal definition.

Five judges ruled unanimously that the Equality Act of 2010 means trans women can be excluded from some groups and single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms, homeless shelters, swimming areas and medical or counselling services provided only to women.

“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,” Rowling wrote in an X post.

She added a message to the group For Women Scotland, who are dedicated to protecting and strengthening women and children’s rights: “I’m so proud to know you.”

Several women’s groups that supported the appeal celebrated outside court and hailed it as a major victory in their effort to protect spaces designated for women.

“Everyone knows what sex is and you can’t change it,” said Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland, which brought the case. “It’s common sense, basic common sense and the fact that we have been down a rabbit hole where people have tried to deny science and to deny reality and hopefully this will now see us back to reality.”

The Harry Potter creator went on to share other celebratory posts, and footage of women’s groups and supporters outside the courthouse, who hailed the ruling as a major victory in their efforts to protect spaces designated for women.

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The author also slammed journalist James O’Brien who compared those celebrating to MAGA supporters.

“Well, James, we had to choose between male rapists being locked up with women and the eradication of women’s single-sex spaces, even down to homeless shelters and rape crisis centres, and knowing we share a single opinion with Donald Trump,” she replied. “I’m comfortable with my choice.”

Of course, there were many who opposed the top court’s landmark ruling.

“I have always been a woman. I remain a woman. And I will die a woman,” transgender TV presenter and Rowling rival India Willoughby wrote, condemning the ruling on X – a post that Rowling mocked.

“No corrupt court or whiskery old fart judge who refused to hear any trans advocacy will ever take that away from me. They can’t – because I am who I am. Woman. Female,” Willoughby added.

Campaign group Scottish Trans also said it was “shocked and disappointed” by the decision, claiming it would undermine legal protections for transgender people enshrined in the 2004 Gender Recognition Act.

Maggie Chapman, a Green Party lawmaker in the Scottish government, added that the ruling was “deeply concerning” for human rights and “a huge blow to some of the most marginalized people in our society.”

Rowling also toasted the news, adding that her husband joked that it is “TERF VE Day.”

– With files from AP