Feminist writer and lesbian activist Julie Bindel (pictured) has won her case against Nottingham City Council after claiming it tried to 'deplatform' her in June for her 'views on transgender rights'

JK Rowling has congratulated feminist writer Julie Bindel after she won her legal case against a council who cancelled an event she was due to speak at because her views ‘fly in the face’ of their position on trans rights.

The radical feminist and lesbian activist, who co-founded the law reform group Justice for Women, took legal action against Nottingham council after its chiefs ‘deplatformed’ her just a day before her talk.

Ms Bindel had been due to speak about ‘feminist activism to end male violence’ in Nottingham at Aspley Library.

She claimed that she only found out the 90-minute talk had been cancelled as she was travelling up to the city from London.

Harry Potter author Rowling, who has come under fire this week after she blasted celebrities for backing the trans children’s charity Mermaids, said the court case outcome was a ‘win for freedom of speech’.

Feminist writer and lesbian activist Julie Bindel (pictured) has won her case against Nottingham City Council after claiming it tried to 'deplatform' her in June for her 'views on transgender rights'

Feminist writer and lesbian activist Julie Bindel (pictured) has won her case against Nottingham City Council after claiming it tried to ‘deplatform’ her in June for her ‘views on transgender rights’

Speaking following the verdict, Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling Tweeted that the court case was 'an important win for freedom of speech'

Speaking following the verdict, Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling Tweeted that the court case was ‘an important win for freedom of speech’

Rowling wrote on Twitter that the court case was a win for 'feminist groups and speakers' who have tried to be silenced

Rowling wrote on Twitter that the court case was a win for ‘feminist groups and speakers’ who have tried to be silenced 

Reacting to Ms Bindel’s landmark case on Twitter, the Scottish author said: ‘An important win for freedom of speech and a reminder that however much some would like to censor and silence feminist groups and speakers, the latter have the law on their side.’

In June, the council said it decided to cancel the talk in June because of ‘the speaker’s views on transgender rights’. 

The event had been organised by Nottingham Women for Change, which describes itself as ‘women only activism, education and empowerment group’.

It said the event had been organised to ‘discuss feminism and domestic violence due to pressure from men’s rights activists.’ 

In a statement at the time the council said: ‘Nottingham is an inclusive city and as a council we support out LGBT community and have committed to supporting trans rights as human rights through Stonewall.’

Instead of holding it inside the venue in June, Ms Bindel gave the talk on the street outside despite the presence of protesters

Instead of holding it inside the venue in June, Ms Bindel gave the talk on the street outside despite the presence of protesters 

Following Friday’s verdict Nottingham City Council said that it ‘now accepts that its decision to cancel the event was procedurally unlawful.

A spokesperson added: ‘Nottingham City Council apologises to Ms Bindel and Nottingham Women for Change for cancelling the event in this way and for the inconvenience caused as a result of this decision.

‘Nottingham city council has agreed that, if Nottingham Women for Change seeks to make a booking at any Nottingham city council venue by way of a fully completed booking form, the council will make a fresh decision in response to such request upon a lawful basis.’

Writing on her blog, Ms Bindel said: ‘They have admitted that cancelling my talk and banning me and my hosts from the library was illegal, and have been made to apologise.’

After the speech was cancelled, the feminist writer decided to give the speech outside the library where it had been planned to take place.

She spoke to dozens of listeners, and despite the presence of trans rights activists protesting against her. 

Ms Bindel had been due to speak about 'feminist activism to end male violence in Nottingham' at Aspley Library in Nottingham in June earlier this year

Ms Bindel had been due to speak about ‘feminist activism to end male violence in Nottingham’ at Aspley Library in Nottingham in June earlier this year

Writing after the verdict she added: ‘I consider it to be deeply offensive and problematic for public bodies to decide that I am too controversial and even dangerous for women to listen to when I am talking about campaigning to end rape and domestic abuse. …

‘I decided to take legal action against Nottingham City Council under both the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998 in order to prevent Nottingham City Council and other local authorities and public bodies from banning feminists who oppose gender ideology from public buildings.’ 

In a statement on Facebook, Notting Women for Change said: ‘Nottingham Women for Change are relieved that Nottingham City Council have apologised for their unlawful actions against us and Julie Bindel.

‘We are thankful to Julie for taking the lead on this action and the brilliant legal team who ensured legality and common sense won out.

‘Our organisers will be continuing to work for women, as always, with events to help us learn from each other and grow as people. Women are people. We are worthy of respect and to be treated lawfully.’

The feminist writer has previously been criticised because of her gender-critical views.

She was accused of transphobia after claiming she does not believe trans women can say they are women.

Ms Bindel’s talk at York University’s about feminism and free speech by the Free Speech York Society was cancelled following an outcry from students.

She was ‘deplatformed’ after the university said it could not be sure the event would go ahead safely.

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