Why JK Rowling Said "Arrest Me": A Closer Look...

Scotland Enforces 'Hate Crime Punishment Act'
Violators May Face Up to 7 Years Imprisonment

In Scotland, UK, J.K. Rowling, the author of 'Harry Potter,' has become embroiled in controversy ahead of the implementation of a new law penalizing hate crimes next month.

The 'Hate Crime and Public Order Act,' which came into effect in Scotland on the 1st (local time), punishes threatening or offensive behavior based on age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and more. It expands the scope of protection from the 1986 law on racial hate crimes, with violations punishable by up to seven years in prison.

British author Joanne K. Rowling
[Photo by EPA/ Yonhap News]

With the law's enforcement, Rowling, who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, has been named a 'top prosecution priority' and caught up in the debate. Last month, Rowling was sued after referring to a transgender female broadcaster as male. She has also been involved in multiple controversies due to her public opposition to transgender issues.

On the 17th, Rowling wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "If you thought I would delete posts calling a man a man to avoid prosecution under this ridiculous law, that would be an April Fool's joke."

In response to the related controversy, the Scottish Government clarified that simply misgendering someone would not be punishable.

However, on the same day, Shiven Brown, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Public Safety, said in an interview with BBC Radio that when asked if misgendering could be punishable, "Reports could be made, and investigations could take place," adding, "It depends on the Scottish Police." This implies that Rowling could potentially become the subject of a police investigation.

They are fiercely criticizing Scotland's 'Hate Crime and Public Order Act' through X.
[Photo by Reuters / Yonhap News, captured from X]

In response, Rowling posted a lengthy message on her X account, refusing to back down from her previous stance and challenging, "Arrest me." She argued, "If we cannot call a man a man, it is impossible to highlight and prevent crimes against women and address attacks on women's rights." Rowling, who stated she is currently abroad, said, "I look forward to returning to the birthplace of Scottish Enlightenment and being arrested."

She also used the hashtag #ArrestMe. Elon Musk, CEO of X, joined the chorus of criticism.

Meanwhile, there are significant concerns that the law is broad and vague, potentially infringing on freedom of expression. Rob Hay, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, pointed out, "There could be a surge in issues raised on social media, but the problem is that no additional resources (such as personnel) have been provided to handle them."