Renowned author Joanne Rowling – who is better known by her pen name, J.K. Rowling – has challenged Scottish authorities to arrest her.

The 58-year-old “Harry Potter” creator made a series of posts about transgender women via Twitter on Monday, 1 April, in response to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act which went into effect on the same day.

The act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2021, criminalises abusive or threatening behaviour, and discrimination against age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

“Scotland’s Hate Crime Act comes into effect today. Women gain no additional protections, of course, but well-known trans activist Beth Douglas, darling of prominent Scottish politicians, falls within a protected category. Phew!” she commented dryly.

Rowling went on to highlight several transgender individuals whom she believes have behaved in a less-than-ideal way, without providing proof to back up her allegations.

“I’m currently out of the country, but if what I’ve written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment,” the author said in closing.

Rowling’s controversial opinions have divided celebrities with some, including Cynthia Nixon and Pete Davidson, speaking out against her. However, she hasn’t been completely ostracised, as actors Robbie Coltrane and Ralph Fiennes have come to her defence.

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