Author J.K. Rowling has criticized Labour MP Stella Creasy for publicly endorsing a Muslim religious event that reportedly excluded women from participation. The controversy centers on the Milad Al Nabi procession held in Creasy’s Walthamstow constituency in north-east London, which marks the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed.

Creasy shared a video of the event on social media, describing it as a “noisy annual celebration” for the local Muslim community. Observers noted that only men appeared to be taking part in the procession. Rowling responded with a pointed remark, referencing an earlier incident in which Creasy mistook one of London’s ring-necked parakeets for an escaped pet, saying Creasy’s absence would result in “the sudden absence of hypocrisy and a huge surge in likeability.”

The exchange escalated after Rowling defended her comment by invoking their longstanding disagreement over gender identity issues. Creasy has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights and previously stated that "a woman can have a penis," a position Rowling has publicly disputed.

In the wake of Rowling’s remarks, Creasy shared an additional post showing a group of women participating in a related event commemorating Milad Al Nabi, described as one of the oldest such celebrations in the UK. She also responded directly to Rowling, emphasizing her feminist credentials and expressing frustration over online hostility. Creasy noted that she faces harassment related to her political views, referencing the sentencing of a man convicted of harassing her. “That culture damages everyone’s capacity to speak and live freely,” she said.

The dispute drew condemnation from Conservative politicians, who accused Creasy of promoting division and exclusion. Joy Morrissey, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, criticized Creasy’s stance, pointing to what she described as contradictory behavior regarding gender and public spaces. Morrissey said, “Stella Creasy should know better than to engage in this divisive and exclusionary nonsense,” referencing Creasy’s alleged support for allowing transgender individuals to use women’s toilets while opposing men’s participation in certain religious events.

The debate touches on broader societal discussions about gender, inclusion, and religious customs, highlighting ongoing tensions within UK politics and communities.