J.K. Rowling against feminists marching alongside Islamists

“For those who don’t know, Stella Creasy is an elected politician and a self-proclaimed ‘old-school feminist’ who is still fighting patriarchy.” Once again, J. K. Rowling has taken it upon herself to chastise her fellow feminists. And she has set her sights on one of the most prominent Labour politicians of recent years. “Creasy takes selfies at an all-male Muslim march because this reminds everyone just how non-racist she is,” writes the Harry Potter author on X. “Taking a stand against patriarchy practised by non-white men does not benefit Creasy.” Rowling is referring to Walthamstow, north London, where the Muslim community is celebrating the birth of Muhammad, but only men are marching.

Creasy, who shared a selfie from the march, appears not to have noticed this, having posted: “Food, sweets and roses shared by those marching with local residents”. The Times columnist Jenni Russell also asked her: “Where are the women, Stella? Why are they excluded? Do explain”. The MP replied: “These women are the future opticians, lawyers, accountants, surgeons and leaders of our community and our country. They, too, are celebrating the birth of the Prophet during the Milad ul Nabi march. Everyone is welcome. So come along next year to meet them and find out what this event is all about, because they’re fantastic!” While all are welcome, the women standing behind Creasy are robed in black from head to toe. This is the same Labour MP who campaigned against a rule that had been in place for 193 years: only men are admitted to the Garrick Club in London.  She wanted women to be admitted too, and that is what happened in 2024. Creasy also campaigned so that biological men who identify as women could access safe spaces reserved solely for biological women. “Do I want to live in a world where we check everyone who goes into a toilet? No,” said Creasy: “Do I think some women are born with a penis? Yes.” So, at the Garrick, as in toilets segregated by biological sex, admission restricted to men only or women only by birth is, for Creasy, misogyny and discrimination, whilst marching amongst men only in Walthamstow is fantastic multiculturalism.

According to the latest census, 25 per cent of the Walthamstow constituency is Muslim. Ms Creasy has done a simple calculation, albeit one that is entirely self-serving. Her fight against patriarchy will be waged without fear or favour. At least until it risks bringing her into conflict with those who profess the Islamic faith and guarantee her a seat in Parliament. In doing so, however, Labour leader Andy Burnham and his colleagues risk finding themselves riding a particularly dangerous tiger.