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J.K. Rowling Declines Peerage Offers, Reiterates Stance on Gender Issues
J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, has disclosed that she has previously declined two offers of a peerage in the British House of Lords and would do so again if presented with a similar opportunity. The comments surfaced after Kemi Badenoch, a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party, expressed her support for granting Rowling a peerage due to her controversial views on gender, which some critics have labeled as transphobic.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Rowling noted that she had been offered peerages “once under Labour and once under the Tories”, affirming that a third offer would also be turned down. She emphasized her desire to remain independent from political affiliations, stating, “It’s not her, it’s me.”
The process of appointing peers in the House of Lords generally involves recommendations made by the Prime Minister, which are then vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission. Most members of the House are appointed based on merit or contribution to society, though some peerages, like those offered to Rowling, can be influenced by political endorsement.
Badenoch praised Rowling during an interview with Talk TV, highlighting their shared belief that women’s protections should hinge on biological sex rather than self-identified gender. In her discussion, she expressed uncertainty about whether Rowling would accept a peerage but reiterated her own willingness to offer it.
Rowling’s previous accolades include being appointed an OBE in 2001 and receiving the distinction of Companion of Honour in 2017 from Prince William for her contributions to literature.
While the specific timelines concerning the offers of peerages remain unclear, the first would have likely occurred during the New Labour administration, a time when Rowling was still actively penning the Harry Potter series, which concluded with the publication of its final installment in 2007. Following that period, Rowling has explored other genres, including adult fiction under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, with the Cormoran Strike series released throughout the 2010s, possibly coinciding with the second offer.
If Rowling had chosen to accept a peerage, she would have likely held the title of Baroness Rowling. This role would have permitted her participation in parliamentary sessions and engagement in committee work, thereby influencing the legislative process within the UK.
Source
www.bbc.com