J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, has taken a stand for women's rights activist Posie Parker after she was attacked by radical transgender activists in New Zealand.
Parker was targeted for being labeled a "TERF" - Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist - which is a term used to describe those who believe that biological sex is immutable and that transgender identity erases the experiences of women.
The attack on Parker drew condemnation from many quarters, including Rowling, who took to Twitter to express her support for Parker and her commitment to women's rights.
"I'm standing with you," she wrote to Parker. "Women must be free to speak about their own experiences without fear of intimidation or abuse."
Rowling's tweet drew widespread praise from supporters of women's rights around the world, who applauded her courage in taking a stand against what they see as an insidious campaign by some trans activists to silence any discussion of gender and its impact on society.
For her part, Parker said she was heartened by the outpouring of support she had received since being attacked in Auckland last week.
"It means so much knowing that there are people out there like J.K. Rowling who are willing to speak up for our right as women to speak freely and without fear," she said in a statement released through her organization Standing For Women.
The incident has once again shone a spotlight on the ongoing debate over gender identity and its intersection with feminism. While many argue that trans activism is an important part of advancing human rights and inclusivity, others worry that it risks erasing some hard-fought gains made by feminists over several decades.
Whatever one's views on this complex issue may be, however, it seems clear that attacks such as those suffered by Posie Parker have no place in any civilized society - and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.