Kemi Badenoch backs JK Rowling for peerage amid rights debate

In the UK, Kemi Badenoch, a candidate for the Tory leadership, expressed her support for JK Rowling, suggesting that the author should be granted a peerage. Badenoch criticized those opposing sex-based rights, labeling them as 'oddballs and bad people.' She emphasized the importance of protecting women's rights based on biological sex rather than self-identified gender. During an interview with Talk TV, she affirmed her willingness to offer Rowling a seat in the House of Lords, although she was uncertain if Rowling would accept it. Badenoch also praised Baroness Cass for her contributions to children's gender services, highlighting her successful appointment to the House of Lords following her review. This statement reflects Badenoch's alignment with Rowling's views on gender issues, which have sparked significant public debate in recent years.