JK Rowling Criticizes Edinburgh Council for Flying Trans Flag to Honor Violent Prisoner

[Social Media]

 

Author JK Rowling has sparked a heated debate after accusing Edinburgh City Council of honoring the death of Tiffany Scott, a notorious transgender prisoner, by flying the trans pride flag above the city chambers on Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).  

 

 

The council marked the day, observed annually to remember individuals lost to acts of transgender violence, by raising the pink, blue, and white-striped flag. In a social media post, the council stated that the day was intended to “remember people who have lost their lives in acts of transgender violence.”  

 

 

However, feminist campaigners and critics pointed out that the only individual from Scotland named on the international list of those commemorated this year was Scott. Born Andrew Burns, Scott was a violent offender convicted of stalking a 13-year-old girl and committing numerous other crimes. Despite identifying as transgender since 2016, Scott never began physical transitioning nor obtained a gender recognition certificate.  

 

Scott died earlier this year on February 29 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after becoming unwell while serving an indefinite sentence in HMP Grampian. Known as one of the UK’s most violent inmates, Scott had been deemed an “unmanageable risk to public safety” and was only eligible for release if authorities determined the risk had diminished.  

 

The council’s decision to fly the trans pride flag and Scott’s inclusion on the TDOR list provoked backlash. Rowling, who resides in Edinburgh, expressed her outrage on social media, saying: “You have to be f---ing kidding me.” She went on to criticize the gesture, stating, “Really looking forward to the day a flag is flown for Scottish victims of femicide, but sure, let’s hear the list of trans people who’ve been murdered in Scotland. Ever.”  

 

For Women Scotland (FWS), a feminist campaign group known for opposing self-identification gender reforms, also condemned the council’s actions. A representative of the group, Marion Calder, described the flag-raising as “absolutely ridiculous,” labeling it “virtue signaling for one of the most dangerous prisoners that Scotland has ever had.”  

 

The group highlighted Scott’s criminal history, which included violent assaults on prison staff, stalking, and repeated acts of aggression. In one instance, Scott attacked a prison nurse with a chair, while in another, Scott smeared excrement in a cell and attempted suicide by tearing through supposedly “tear-proof” clothing.  

 

Critics also questioned the appropriateness of Scott’s inclusion on the TDOR list, noting that there was no evidence to suggest the death was linked to transphobia. An online thread shared by FWS examined the commemorative day, arguing that it “isn’t quite what it seems” and criticized the inclusion of a “violent offender with a history of harming women and children.”  

 

Despite the controversy, Edinburgh City Council defended its decision. A spokesperson emphasized the city’s commitment to inclusivity, stating: “We’re extremely proud to be one of the friendliest and most diverse cities in the world. Everyone is welcome to make Edinburgh their home and to live their lives with dignity and free from prejudice. Councillors agreed to support the Day of Remembrance in 2019, and we continue to fly the flag annually above the City Chambers to remember those who have lost their lives to transgender violence.”  

 

The debate underscores ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity, inclusivity, and the recognition of individuals within broader societal contexts, raising questions about how to honor marginalized communities while addressing the complexities of individual cases.  

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-23

 

 

 

[Scouse123]

Pathetic woke nonsense.

[Cryingdick]

They should just cut her balls off.

[Ajarnbrian]

Good that JK Rowling calls out this. Nothing against transgender people who get on with their lives without harming others. But for Edinburgh City Council to celebrate the life of a violent criminal who happens to identify as transgender is an insult to all victims of violence.

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

They've lost the plot.  Yet another Western council infected by the commie leftist woke virus.  Way to call b.s. Ms Rowling.

[wombat]

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

Pathetic woke nonsense.

The more we empower minorities the more they want until the minorities dictate to the majority like now 

[soalbundy]

41 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds of Horking said:

They've lost the plot.  Yet another Western council infected by the commie leftist woke virus.  Way to call b.s. Ms Rowling.

I doubt that any 'so called' communist country would have any sympathy with transgenders or gays in general, just the opposite in fact. Call it what it is, 'woke' madness.

[thaibeachlovers]

I never thought the Scottish would be infected by the woke virus. Used to be a nation of hard warriors, now ............................................?

[Homburg]

Brain less Virtue signalling 455hole5. They'll be sending £¼m aid to Hamas next.  Oh, hang on...

[jippytum]

Flying the flag for a decrased convicted transgender peodo is more proof the world has gone mad. 

JKRowling is under constant criticism from the woke  media for expressing her views.  Opinions the the majority of sane people agree with. 

[Chomper Higgot]

Perhaps Ms Rowling could appraise herself of what Transgender Day of Remembrance is actually about, she might then avoid grandstanding on such an obvious false premise.

 

Here’s what TDOR is actually about:

 

“Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.”

 

“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”
 Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith.

https://glaad.org/tdor/

 

Oh and well done Edinburgh.

 

 

[RichardColeman]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

The group highlighted Scott’s criminal history, which included violent assaults on prison staff, stalking, and repeated acts of aggression. In one instance, Scott attacked a prison nurse with a chair, while in another, Scott smeared excrement in a cell and attempted suicide by tearing through supposedly “tear-proof” clothing.  

Sounds like a typical upset lefty to me

[Eloquent pilgrim]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I never thought the Scottish would be infected by the woke virus. Used to be a nation of hard warriors, now ............................................?

 

Indeed, but remember the men have always liked to wear a skirt kilt

 

[Eloquent pilgrim]

24 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Perhaps Ms Rowling could appraise herself of what Transgender Day of Remembrance is actually about, she might then avoid grandstanding on such an obvious false premise.

 

Here’s what TDOR is actually about:

 

“Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.”

 

“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”
 Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith.

https://glaad.org/tdor/

 

Oh and well done Edinburgh.

 

 

 

Another woke lefty; traumatised by any criticism of this repugnant clamorous minority.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

Another woke lefty; traumatised by any criticism of this repugnant clamorous minority.

 

Sorry Laddie, just pointing out the ridiculous false premise that triggered Ms Rowling and the usual suspects on in this thread.

 

I have provided the factual definition of what TDOR is about, complete with a quote from its founder.

 

I guess we can look forward to the rest of the day being a stream of denial of the actual facts of what TDOR is about.

 

 

 

[Eloquent pilgrim]

9 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I guess we can look forward to the rest of the day being a stream of denial of the actual facts of what TDOR is about.

 

I think everyone knows what TDOR is about; it’s a day of remembrance for dead men that liked to wear frocks.

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

2 hours ago, soalbundy said:

I doubt that any 'so called' communist country would have any sympathy with transgenders or gays in general, just the opposite in fact.

Commies would use whatever suits their agenda at the time, but I use the word "commie" as synonymous with "politically correct propaganda."  PC-ness, aka wokeism, is just communist propaganda writ small, as Mr Dalrymple said.

[BKKBike09]

I think Edinburgh Council should be taken to task for their insensitivity in - I'm confident is the case - not recognising all of these as well.

 

I'm looking forward to 'Aromatic Spectrum Awareness Week'. As ever, we have so much to learn from our American friends (the instigators of Transgender Day Of Remembrance).

 

https://www.bnl.gov/pridealliance/important-dates.php

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

59 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Oh and well done Edinburgh.

Good one mate. Another woke lefty too consumed by emotion to bother comprehending the article?

 

"The council marked the day, observed annually to remember individuals lost to acts of transgender violence"

 

". . . there was no evidence to suggest the death [of violent offender Tiffany Scott aka Andrew Burns] was linked to transphobia."

 

Yet Edinburgh city council still raised the flag in his/her honour.

 

Woke, misguided virtue signalling. Again.

[LukKrueng]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

a gender recognition certificate

WTF is that?

[James105]

34 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Sorry Laddie, just pointing out the ridiculous false premise that triggered Ms Rowling and the usual suspects on in this thread.

 

I have provided the factual definition of what TDOR is about, complete with a quote from its founder.

 

I guess we can look forward to the rest of the day being a stream of denial of the actual facts of what TDOR is about.

 

 

 

 

We know what it is about.

 

[Bkk Brian]

45 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Sorry Laddie, just pointing out the ridiculous false premise that triggered Ms Rowling and the usual suspects on in this thread.

 

I have provided the factual definition of what TDOR is about, complete with a quote from its founder.

 

I guess we can look forward to the rest of the day being a stream of denial of the actual facts of what TDOR is about.

 

 

 

Did you even bother to read the OP? Rowling did not dispute what TDOR is about, what she is stating along with other feminist campaigners and critics is about a local case involving Tiffany Scott and how its relevant to the flag being flown on Transgender Day of Remembrance

 

So who are these people posting a stream of denial of the actual facts?

[dinsdale]

33 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

I think Edinburgh Council should be taken to task for their insensitivity in - I'm confident is the case - not recognising all of these as well.

 

I'm looking forward to 'Aromatic Spectrum Awareness Week'. As ever, we have so much to learn from our American friends (the instigators of Transgender Day Of Remembrance).

 

https://www.bnl.gov/pridealliance/important-dates.php

Absolute madness. I don't know any other way to respond to this.

[dinsdale]

According to these figures [latest transrespect report], there was one trans person murdered in the UK in that time [1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018], and a total of nine trans people were murdered in the UK between 2008 and 2017. That’s an average rate of one victim per year.

https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/factcheck-how-many-trans-people-murdered-uk

2023/24 England and Wales recorded 583 murders in a year.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/283093/homicides-in-england-and-wales/

It's pure pandering to a minority radical activist group. Madness.