Transgender workers at Australian supermarket chain Coles have reportedly complained about being forced to hand out Harry Potter trading cards amid the JK Rowling row.
The Australian supermarket has been offering customers free cards for every £17.50 spent in store.
But some of Coles’ 900 trans staff are said to be uncomfortable with giving out the cards because of Ms Rowling’s views on women’s rights.
Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have all publicly condemned Ms Rowling for her views.
JK Rowling
Yui Mok
In a statement, a Coles spokesman said: “Coles promotes an inclusive workplace and we strongly encourage any team member with concerns about gender diversity issues to raise them with their store manager or line manager, or if they don't feel comfortable doing this, then through our Pride Network who are there to support our LGBTQI+ community.
“Coles is proud of our diversity and inclusion, we have many initiatives supporting the LGBTQI+ community and we will always stand up against homophobia, biphobia, intersexism and transphobia,” they told Daily Mail Australia.
While trans activist Norrie May-Welby urged the supermarket to move the staff away from handing out the cards.
Ms May-Welby said: “Reassign them to duties where handing out these promotions is not part of their job.
“Behind the deli counter, greeting customers, assisting the self-checkout working the cigarette desk or on internet orders.”
But Ms May-Welby added that Coles “might not be happy” with a staff member not handing out the cards.
She added: “The store has spent money promoting this, and enticing customers in with expectations, so they might not be happy with a staff member only providing partial service.”
Coles supermarket
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