J K Rowling's handprints vandalised after accusations of 'transphobia'
An imprint of JK Rowling’s hands have been vandalised with ‘blood-like’ red paint amid accusations of being transphobic.
The children's author has repeatedly been embroiled in bitter online rows with the transgender community after voicing what have been referred to as “homophobic” and “transphobic” views.
The Harry Potter writer, 54, had tweeted comments that likened hormones taken by many trans people to "a new kind of conversion therapy".
She recently wrote: "Many health professionals are concerned that young people struggling with their mental health are being shunted towards hormones and surgery when this may not be in their best interests.
"Many, myself included, believe we are watching a new kind of conversion therapy for young gay people, who are being set on a lifelong path of medicalisation that may result in the loss of their fertility and/or full sexual function".
This comes after last week, the Harry Potter author was among 150 signatories to write an open letter calling for an end to ‘cancel culture’, and warn that the “vogue for public shaming is threatening liberal society”.
However over the weekend, pictures emerged on social media of her handprints outside Edinburgh City Chambers smeared in blood-like red paint with the transgender pride flag planted next to it.
The flag was placed by the concrete handprints which were made when Rowling, who lives in the city, was awarded the Edinburgh Award in 2008.
Dr Jane Hamlin, President of the Beaumont Society, a charity which supports trans people, said: “I have found JK Rowling’s comments about trans people ill-informed and hurtful, but I think actions like this [smearing with red paint the tribute to JK Rowling] (whether or not they are the deeds of trans people or their allies) will damage the campaign to win equal rights for trans and non-binary people.
“I would prefer to demonstrate that the fears she articulates are the invention of a successful writer of fiction.
