Sexual Assault Incident Occurs in UK Gender-Neutral Restroom
Rolling: "An Incident That Could Have Been Predicted and Prevented"
J. K. Rowling, the author of the novel 'Harry Potter,' criticized the use of 'gender-neutral restrooms' that are accessible regardless of gender, claiming they threaten the safety of women.
According to the British Telegraph on the 29th (local time), Rowling tweeted, "According to a 2018 survey, 88% of sexual crimes in changing rooms and public restrooms occur in unisex restrooms," adding, "This was entirely predictable and preventable."
Rowling raised this issue following recent safety concerns after sexual assaults against female middle school students occurred in gender-neutral restrooms at schools in the UK.
According to the Telegraph, a teenage male student was arrested and later released after investigation on charges of committing four sexual assaults against female classmates while entering and exiting a gender-neutral restroom at a middle school in Essex, northwest London. Three of these incidents occurred inside the restroom.
Rowling pointed out, "Because of the contradictory ideology pushed by lobby groups, the safety, privacy, and dignity of girls are being sacrificed, making it easier for predatory males to access victims."
James Essex, who leads a civic group related to gender ideology, also said, "We had warned that such incidents could happen," adding, "This madness must end now."
The UK government is preparing guidelines stating that students should not enter restrooms designated for the opposite sex at schools. However, it remains unclear whether specific guidelines regarding gender-neutral restrooms will be provided.
Meanwhile, in 2020, Rowling faced controversy over accusations of transphobia after criticizing a social enterprise for referring to 'menstruating people' instead of 'women.' Despite facing severe criticism, she stood firm, stating, "Attempts to deny sex distinctions cruelly discriminate against the realities experienced by those who have lived as biological women."
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