J.K. Rowling has called for taxpayers’ money to be withheld from a rape charity following the resignation of a trans woman from the role of CEO at a support service for victims. The charity, which received funding from public sources, faced controversy and backlash after the resignation, which Rowling cited as a reason for her stance.
Rowling, a vocal critic of certain aspects of transgender rights activism, argued that the charity’s leadership change, and the circumstances surrounding it, warranted reconsideration of its funding. Her call has sparked a broader debate about the intersection of gender identity, public funding, and support services for victims of sexual violence.
J.K. Rowling has called for taxpayers’ money to be withheld from the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC) following the resignation of Mridul Wadhwa, who was CEO of the charity. Wadhwa stepped down after a critical review revealed that the ERCC had obstructed victims’ access to biologically female counselors.
The report, commissioned by Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS), criticized the ERCC for requiring victims to specify if they did not want support from someone born a man. This requirement was seen as a barrier for traumatized individuals, including minors, seeking help. Rowling’s call reflects ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity and the provision of support services for sexual violence survivors.
Campaigners had urged the removal of Ms. Wadhwa, who identifies as female but is biologically male, from her role as CEO of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. Following these pressures and a critical review, Wadhwa resigned after three years in the position.
J.K. Rowling expressed her stance on the matter on X, advocating that government funding for Rape Crisis Scotland should be withheld if the charity cannot guarantee single-sex services. Rowling emphasized that the majority of female survivors of sexual violence prefer and require support from female-only services.
J.K. Rowling criticized the Scottish Government and Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) for failing to uphold single-sex services at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC). She contended that Scotland’s ruling party, the SNP, and RCS have disregarded evidence about the needs of vulnerable women. Rowling also questioned the continued tenure of RCS boss Sandy Brindley, who had previously praised Ms. Wadhwa.
The review by Vicky Ling criticized Ms. Wadhwa for her leadership style and described her tenure as marked by systemic failures at the ERCC. Following the review, Ms. Wadhwa resigned, and the ERCC board acknowledged the need for leadership change and pledged to address the issues identified.
The Scottish Government had provided RCS with £6 million in funding for 2022-2025, which Rowling suggested should be reconsidered if the charity cannot guarantee single-sex services for female survivors.
In response to calls for Ms. Brindley to step down, a spokesperson for Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing concerns about service quality and implementing the review’s recommendations.
Ms. Wadhwa was approached for a comment but did not provide one.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart confirmed ongoing government support for the ERCC and other rape crisis centers, including a £405,899 grant from the Delivering Equally Safe fund and £384,200 in Covid emergency funding for 2024-25 aimed at reducing waiting lists.
