Bookstores Grapple with Harry Potter Boycott Over Author’s Views

Independent shops face ethical dilemma as **J.K. Rowling’s** anti-transgender stance impacts sales.

Independent bookstores across France are navigating a complex debate over stocking the Harry Potter series, prompted by author **J.K. Rowling’s** outspoken views on transgender rights. A growing movement is questioning whether to continue selling books whose proceeds might support an agenda seen as discriminatory.

A Fund Fuels Controversy

The debate intensified after **J.K. Rowling** launched the “JK Rowling Fund for Women.” This initiative aims to provide financial and legal assistance to organizations and individuals championing women’s rights based on biological sex. Critics, however, view the fund as a direct attack on transgender women, aligning with Rowling’s public commentary.

“We decided not to sell these books anymore.”

—Franciscan Booksmith, Bookstore Announcement

The Franciscan Booksmith bookstore in Paris was among the first to publicly announce its decision to cease selling the Harry Potter books following the fund’s creation. This move reflects a broader concern within the “Potterhead” community and among booksellers themselves.

Ethical Stand or Economic Reality?

Many independent booksellers express concern, regardless of their final decision. **Margot**, an employee at Librairie May, a feminist bookstore in Paris, stated that selling the books felt inherently contradictory. “It is completely incoherent for us to sell books whose profits are used to discriminate a minority,” she explained. Librairie May has shifted focus to other fantasy titles, encouraging customers to explore the genre’s diversity.

Some booksellers suggest purchasing used copies as a way to enjoy the stories without directly contributing financially to the author. “Although we have only exchanged very briefly on the subject with my colleagues, we no longer put forward novels or market derivatives,” shared an employee from Libr’fant in Tours.

The Breton Bookstore Diverges in Quimperlé, open for just a year, prioritizes smaller publishing houses over the Harry Potter series. Others, like Terra Nova bookstore in Toulouse, are still deliberating, with the summer break delaying a final decision.

Financial Pressures vs. Moral Stance

However, the economic realities for some independent shops present a significant challenge. **Magalie**, a bookseller at Bullez Jeunesse in Saverne, admitted the difficulty. “The universe of J.K. Rowling allows great visibility and many purchases. For a very recently open structure, it is an easy basket.” The eight Harry Potter volumes have sold over 40 million copies in France alone since their 1998 publication.

An employee at the Les Arts Frontières bookstore in Saint-Genis-Pouilly argued that refusing to stock the series would be self-defeating. “We need more to sell books that J.K. Rowling needs money,” they reasoned, referencing **Rowling’s** own sarcastic remarks about boycott effectiveness.

A differing perspective suggests that booksellers’ primary role is to provide access to literature, irrespective of personal opinions. “Personally, I consider that we must respond to customer demand; the rest is rather personal opinion,” commented a bookseller from the Chatelvre boutique in Paris. Customer reactions vary, with some refusing purchases while others express discomfort, ensuring the series remains a topic of conversation.

The Debate Continues Amidst New Adaptations

With a Harry Potter series remake slated for 2026, the controversy shows no signs of abating. **J.K. Rowling** remains an active figure in the “gender critical” movement. Her public statements, including one on X (formerly Twitter) where she questioned the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, continue to draw significant attention and criticism.

In 2020, Rowling faced backlash for a series of tweets that were perceived as transphobic. She later donated approximately €83,000 to a militant association advocating for the exclusion of transgender women from an equality bill. More recently, she was involved in a complaint regarding comments made about Algerian boxer **Imane Khelif**, who competes in the women’s category.

This ongoing societal discussion highlights the evolving landscape for booksellers, who must balance commercial interests with their personal and ethical commitments in a rapidly changing world.