EXCLUSIVE: The BBC has apologized after suggesting that J.Okay. Rowling’s remarks about transgender ladies might put her on the flawed aspect of a brand new hate crime regulation in Scotland.
In an April 2 story that centered on the Harry Potter writer, BBC Scotland reported that the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 implies that “derogatory feedback” about transgender id will turn into a prison offense.
In a correction on the BBC web site, the company mentioned: “This was inaccurate and we must always have referred to the Act creating a brand new crime the place it’s an offence if somebody communicates materials or behaves in a threatening or abusive method with the intention of “stirring up hatred” based mostly on these protected traits.”
The BBC added: “We apologise for any confusion precipitated and have reminded our groups of the significance of accuracy in our output.”
Police Scotland acquired complaints about Rowling after she described transgender ladies as males, however mentioned no motion can be taken. She welcomed the choice, including: “In the event that they go after any girl for merely calling a person a person, I’ll repeat that girl’s phrases they usually can cost us each directly.”
It’s the third time the BBC has apologized for protection of Rowling and her views on transgender rights. The BBC mentioned discussions concerning the author, which featured on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 4 final yr, fell wanting editorial requirements after she was accused of being transphobic with out adequate problem.
The difficulty was raised in a nine-page doc on “reporting intercourse and gender” circulated to the BBC newsroom late final yr. Obtained by Deadline, the briefing notes suggested BBC journalists and manufacturing groups that “care is required” when persons are labeled “transphobic” and the time period ought to be interrogated throughout on-air debate.