“This isn’t an easy piece to write”.
So begins a blog piece by J.K. Rowling, author of the famous Harry Potter series, whose name has made headline news this week.
Were you to read these seven words without any context, you might wonder what the author is about to say next. Is she unwell? Giving up on writing? No. Unusually for one of the world’s most prolific writers, the subject of the blog has nothing to do with her life’s work.
Rowling has become the latest victim of what writer Douglas Murray likes to call the ‘madness of crowds’. She’s the latest in a growing list of pop culture figures found guilty of wrongspeak on political issues. On 6 June, she posted the following Tweet:
In a now familiar story, the author was immediately deemed ‘transphobic’, ‘hateful’, ‘bigoted’, and labelled a ‘TERF’ – not a term of endearment – for her statement. Other abuse she received online was so awful it wouldn’t be printable in a newspaper, and certainly won’t be quoted here. Those close to Rowling, including the actors in the Harry Potter film series, made millionaires times over through her work, have distanced themselves from her comments.
What could possibly have cause such drastic offence and upset? Her Tweet suggests that people born in one biological category (with XX or XY chromosomes) cannot become full biological members of the opposite sex.
Two warring factions have emerged in the wake of Rowling’s Tweet. Those who side with the author believe that sex is real, immutable and cannot just be claimed by anyone. Chief amongst Rowling’s allies are feminists concerned at the idea that biological males who identify as female should be allowed access women-only spaces, compete in women’s sporting events and access all the rights and protections that have been hard won by women over the centuries.
The other group, mostly composed of trans campaigners, social liberals and ‘woke’ celebrities, think that trans individuals should be able to access whatever facilities, events and entitlements they want, that trans women are ‘real women’, and that anyone who says otherwise is the scum of the earth. Some would even go further by stating that binary sex is a myth and claiming that sex is something arbitrarily ‘assigned’ at birth.
“Two warring factions have emerged in the wake of Rowling’s Tweet”
Rowling’s curiously caveated blog piece* (see note below before reading) was an attempt to calm this group and explain why she is not, in fact, a hate-filled bigot who holds malice towards transgender people. The reasons she sets out for commenting on sex and gender issues confirm this fact and make it all the more alarming that she has been subjected to such abuse:
“I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe. When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman – and, as I’ve said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones – then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth.”
“I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode ‘woman’ as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it. I stand alongside the brave women and men, gay, straight and trans, who’re standing up for freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of some of the most vulnerable in our society”.
As a Christian blog, Salann shares the concerns of J.K. Rowling and other individuals over the demands of trans activists. People who struggle with gender dysphoria are absolutely deserving of compassion and respect, like anyone else. The Bible instructs us to love our neighbours as ourselves. However, love does not mean ceding to the demands of campaign groups when they would harm our neighbours, and run contrary to God’s good design for human life.
As well as endangering women in general, the demands of trans activists harm the health of the very people they purport to protect. Medical interventions like cross-sex hormones and surgery cause irreversible harm to men and women and especially to young girls, the most prevalent group being referred to gender dysphoria clinics.
“Love does not mean ceding to the demands of campaign groups when they would harm our neighbours”
In order to protect women and girls, and prevent harm to people suffering with gender dysphoria, Christians must speak up as J.K. Rowling has – even if it is costly to do so. By being courageous and putting our heads above the parapet, we love our neighbours and seek their best interests. If nobody listens, or we are shouted down, we will at least have done our duty by them and by God.
Of course we need to be winsome and gracious. The command to love our neighbours extends to all people, trans campaigners included. We must not be impatient, mocking, or insensitive in our witness on any aspect of social policy. Proverbs 16:21 – “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness”.
Many Christians are already speaking up and have been for some time. To those who are not, for whatever reason, is there more that you could do? Christians are to fear God rather than men. We must not be intimidated by the madness of crowds.
*Note: J.K. Rowling’s blog piece contains offensive language where she cites the abuse she has received and themes unsuitable for children. Further note: if you get the Harry Potter reference in the headlines, kudos.
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