It seems J.K. Rowling has once again waded into the UK’s culture war – and this time, Marks & Spencer is in the firing line.
The author has called for shoppers to ditch the British retail giant after reports surfaced about a run-in between a customer and a trans employee in the lingerie section.
According to The Telegraph, a mother complained that her teenage daughter felt “uncomfortable” when offered assistance by the staff member, referring to her as a “biological male” and refusing to recognise her gender identity. M&S reportedly apologised to the customer, adding that if requested in future, a “female colleague” would help instead.
The alleged incident happened back in March, before the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that the legal definition of “woman” in the 2010 Equality Act is based on biological sex – a decision critics say will make life harder for trans people in sex-segregated spaces.
It’s worth noting that the employee in question doesn’t carry out bra fittings or accompany customers into fitting rooms. Still, the story has ignited fresh debate on social media – with Rowling urging followers to take their shopping elsewhere.
Whatever side you’re on, one thing’s for sure – this conversation is far from over.