JK Rowling backs ‘incredibly brave’ SNP MP Joanna Cherry

JK Rowling has given her backing to SNP MP Joanna Cherry on women’s rights despite their opposing views on independence.

The Harry Potter author, who is in favour of keeping the Union and supported the No campaign in 2014, said she stands “100%” with Cherry in her defence of women’s rights and that Cherry had been “incredibly brave” in standing up for women.

Rowling said Cherry already knew that because the two had had “private chats” about the issue.

Cherry added that although they disagree on Scotland’s constitutional future, they “know how to disagree respectfully”.

Cherry voiced her support for Rowling on Twitter after the novelist shared a threat she had received relating to her views on trans issues.

Cherry tweeted: “Proud to stand with @jk_rowling in defending #WomensRights.

“She’s right that the escalation from harassment of women who speak up to trying to get them sacked or criminalised to threats of violence is common.

“It’s time more people with power called this out.”

After it was suggested that Rowling would not say the same about Cherry because she wanted Scottish independence, Rowling tweeted back: “You’re wrong! I stand 100% with Joanna on this, as she already knows, because we’ve had private chats about it.

“She’s been incredibly brave in standing up for women in such a hostile climate and Joanna knows how much I admire her for it.”

Cherry replied: “Thank you @jk_rowling. We may disagree on Scotland’s constitutional future but we know how to disagree respectfully & we are 100% in agreement on the importance of defending #WomensRights & #FreeSpeech.

“I’m proud to stand with you. #WomenWontWheesht”.

Both Cherry and Rowling have been attacked and threatened for defence of women’s sex-based rights and their views on transgender issues.

Cherry also recently announced that she was returning to the bar to defend Marion Millar, a women’s rights campaigner who has been charged with communications offences after being accused of posting allegedly transphobic messages on social media.