Featured Image Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, JK Rowling, Sport
Mia Williams
Topics: Donald Trump, JK Rowling, Sport
Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community which some readers may find distressing.
Known for her controversial views, JK Rowling has 'congratulated' the left, after Donald Trump signed a new executive order affecting transgender athletes.
The president has wasted no time in signing executive orders - many of which have affected the trans community - since he was inaugurated last month (20 January).
As of yesterday (6 February) Trump has signed more than 50 executive orders, which is the most in a president's first 100 days in more than 40 years.
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The Republican leader, who is also the first convicted felon to assume the presidential role, has always made his views about gender very clear, after previously stating there will 'only be two genders' under his government.
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But Trump has taken things a step further this week, as he signed a highly controversial executive order that directly affects trans athletes.
The 78-year-old was filmed as he signed a document which bans transgender athletes from competing on girls' and women's sports teams by denying federal funds for schools that allow it.
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The ban read: "Many educational institutions and athletic associations have allowed men to compete in women’s sports.
"This is demeaning, unfair and dangerous to women and girls, and denies women and girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports."
The policy states it will 'oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity and truth'.
Author JK Rowling has long been known for her controversial views of the LGBTQ+ community, and was quick to respond to the president's new ban.
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Taking to X, she wrote: "Congratulations to every single person on the left who’s been campaigning to destroy women’s and girls’ rights.
"Without you, there’d be no images like this."
During last year’s Olympics, the author led an extremely aggravated dispute against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, concerning her gender.
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Despite the fact she was born female and does not identify as either transgender or intersex, Rowling referred to the champion as a man, and accused her of 'shattering' her opponents 'life's ambition'.
Speaking from the White House, Trump declared: "We will defend the proud tradition of female athletes.
"From now on, women’s sports will be only for women.
"The war on women’s sports is over."
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Rowling's views on the LGBTQ+ community has made several actors from the magical movies distance themselves from the Harry Potter author, specifically titular actor Daniel Radcliffe and 'Hermoine Granger' star Emma Watson.
In an essay he penned for the LGBTQ+ organisation The Trevor Project, Radcliffe apologised for any 'pain' Rowling's views may have inflicted onto the community.
Watson, meanwhile, told her fans: "I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, you can contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]