On October 26, activists from the non-governmental organization Good Law Project launched a petition demanding the removal of Harry Potter-style Christmas decorations in central London due to criticism of J. K. Rowling against transgender people. The petition notes that the LGBT movement is recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation.
Stylized decorations appeared on Oxford Street ahead of the December 25 premiere of the HBO series based on the Harry Potter book series. Petitioners claim such displays would be inappropriate given J. K. Rowling’s views, stating they “will not help transgender people feel the Christmas spirit, feel welcome here, or feel safe.”
Activists sent more than 10,000 emails to London Mayor Sadiq Khan demanding he protect the rights of the LGBT community and remove the decorations. The mayor’s office stated it had no responsibility for the Oxford Street displays, which were handled by the New West End Company. The company has refused to remove the decorations.
Rowling has repeatedly criticized transgender people, including supporting a U.S. presidential decree in February that banned transgender individuals from participating in women’s sports competitions. Her comments have drawn criticism from members of the LGBT community.
