Amnesty International UK has issued a rare apology after criticising JK Rowling's women-only support centre in Edinburgh. The centre, Beira's Place, was listed as a 'gender-critical organisation' in a report that sparked a backlash from the author and other groups.
Beira's Place was established in 2022 by Rowling and other campaigners who claimed it filled an unmet need for women-only support in the city. The centre provides a safe space for women to receive support and guidance after experiencing sexual violence.
The Amnesty report, which has been temporarily withdrawn while an internal review takes place, stated that the centre was part of an 'anti-rights movement' in the UK. However, Amnesty has since clarified that it does not reflect the organisation's position and has apologised for any offence caused.
JK Rowling, who is a survivor of domestic violence, set up the centre after a row over the management of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, which was being run by a transgender woman at the time. Rowling argued that survivors of abuse should have the option of 'women-centred' and 'women-delivered' care.