J.K. Rowling has offered to fund legal action for female National Health Service (NHS) patients and staff who wish to challenge policies allowing transgender women into women-only spaces.
Rowling's offer comes after the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) stated that transgender women can continue to use female wards, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. This decision was made despite the recent introduction of a statutory code concerning single-sex spaces.
Rowling announced on X, formerly Twitter, that her organization, the JK Rowling Women's Fund, would provide financial backing for anyone needing to fight for their legal rights in this matter. The JK Rowling Women's Fund was established last year to support women pursuing legal cases related to sex-based rights and workplace discrimination.
The MPFT, which serves Staffordshire and Shropshire, informed its employees that there would be "no immediate changes" to its existing policies. Under these current policies, patients are permitted to access single-sex facilities based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex. This also means male staff who identify as women can use female facilities.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) revised code, which took effect last week, stipulates that single-sex services should be provided based on biological sex. The code warns that admitting individuals of the opposite sex could legally render these spaces mixed-sex. It also advises employers to provide separate toilet, washing, and changing facilities for men and women in accordance with workplace regulations.
Former home secretary Suella Braverman criticized the trust's stance, accusing it of breaking the law and calling for intervention from the Department of Health and Social Care and the EHRC. Braverman stated on X, "This is a scandal."
This is not the first time Rowling has offered financial support for legal challenges concerning women's sex-based rights. In July, she offered backing to women's organizations that were labeled as "anti-rights" by a report from Amnesty International UK. One of these organizations was Beira's Place, a female-only sexual violence support service founded by Rowling. The Amnesty International UK report has since been withdrawn, and an apology issued.
Rowling also offered to assist the Women's Rights Network Northern Ireland with its legal costs after a Belfast arts festival canceled an event organized by the group due to complaints about their views on sex and gender. The group did not accept her offer.
Maya Forstater, from the campaign group Sex Matters, described Rowling's support as "game-changing" for women seeking justice. She stated that Rowling's actions send a message to institutions that they cannot disregard women's rights with impunity.
Rowling's financial backing of legal actions has drawn criticism from trans-rights campaigners. Concerns were raised in Amnesty International UK's withdrawn report regarding wealthy individuals funding litigation that challenges trans-inclusive policies.
The MPFT has stated that it acknowledges the Supreme Court judgment and is currently reviewing its policies while awaiting further guidance from NHS England.