Los Angeles: Harry Potter author JK Rowling has voiced her support for a recent UK Supreme Court decision which clarified that the legal definition of "woman" and "sex" under the Equality Act refers to "a biological woman and biological sex", Mirror.co.uk reported.

The ruling was delivered by Judge Lord Hodge, who stressed that the judgment does not strip trans individuals of their rights, emphasising that the law continues to provide protection against discrimination for transgender people.

Following the verdict, Rowling took to social media platform X to express her views. The author, who has previously been at the centre of controversy over her comments on gender identity, praised the group For Women Scotland and their efforts in bringing the case to the highest court.

‘Proud to know you’

"It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK. @ForWomenScot I’m so proud to know you,” Rowling posted.

She added, "Trans people have lost zero rights today, although I don’t doubt some (not all) will be furious that the Supreme Court upheld women’s sex-based rights.”

Case brought by For Women Scotland

The legal challenge stemmed from a Scottish law mandating 50 percent female representation on public boards. The group For Women Scotland opposed the inclusion of trans women in that definition, arguing it undermined sex-based rights. The case, after a long legal battle, reached the UK Supreme Court, which ultimately sided with the campaigners.

The ruling is expected to have implications beyond Scotland, affecting the interpretation of similar laws across the United Kingdom.

Divided public reaction

Rowling's post drew mixed reactions online. While many praised her stance, others criticised the ruling and her continued commentary on trans issues.

One supporter commented, "All of you who vilified @jk_rowling for standing up for women should hang your heads in shame." Another wrote, "This is a huge win! Now we need to make the rest of the Western World see reason.”

However, critics voiced their disappointment. One post read, "Trans women are women and there’s no 'argument' about that. Breaks my heart that we’re going backwards and it’s so frustrating feeling so powerless.”

The debate surrounding gender identity, legal rights, and the balance between inclusion and sex-based protections continues to spark strong reactions across the UK and beyond.