JK Rowling offers to legal funding to fight trans-inclusive NHS spaces
JK Rowling. (Getty)
JK Rowling has offered to provide funding to female NHS patients hoping to take the healthcare system to court over trans women using single-sex spaces.
The author’s offer came after the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) announced that trans women could continue to use women-only spaces like wards, changing rooms and toilets despite the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance.
Taking to X on 8 August, Rowling shared a post reporting the announcement, adding: “Then the lawsuits will keep coming. Should any female patient or member of staff require funding to fight this assault on their legal rights, apply to jkrwf[.]org.”
In an email to staff last week, MPFT shared that there would be “no immediate changes” to their trans-inclusive policy for single-sex spaces, which allows trans people to use facilities that align with their gender identity.
“We understand this may be a difficult and anxiety-provoking time for our trans, non-binary and gender-diverse colleagues, service users and communities, and we want to reassure you that we stand by you, and remain committed to being an inclusive organisation,” the email read, according to the Telegraph.
The new EHRC policy, which came into effect on 5 August, says that trans people should use either gender-neutral facilities or those that align with their sex assigned at birth as opposed to their gender identity.
The code of practice is not legally binding, but it “strongly encourages” businesses, service providers and associations to offer only single-sex services based on biological sex, as per the Equality Act 2010.
The guidance has been met with criticism from trans rights advocates and MPs alike. In July, the Scottish Greens urged the UK government to scrap the code, calling it “authoritarian and cruel.”
“It will cause real harm to trans people who have accessed these spaces and services for years without incident,” said the party’s equalities spokesperson, Kate Nevens.
“Trans people want the same thing as everyone else, to live their lives free from prejudice, discrimination and violence. Instead, this guidance will legitimise intrusive questioning, encourage suspicion and make everyday life less safe,” Nevens told the National.
