Thousands of people have signed a petition calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to cancel Harry Potter-themed Christmas lights planned for Oxford Street this year.
The display is intended to promote the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series, but campaigners object to the promotion of JK Rowling's work due to what they argue are here anti-trans views.
Signatories to the petition, which was organised by the Good Law Project, also say the lights will leave trans people feeling unwelcome and unsafe in one of London's best-known festive locations.
The petition specifically targets Mayor Khan, pointing to his previous statements that trans rights are human rights and that London will remain a safe, welcoming city for trans people.
A Good Law Project spokesperson said: ‘How can Mayor Khan tell trans Londoners that “this city is yours too”, whilst allowing a Christmas lights display to go ahead that will help fund anti-trans rights groups? The mayor must back up his words with action.’
A spokesperson for the Mayor said: ‘The Christmas lights on Oxford Street are not arranged by the Mayor or the Oxford Street Development Corporation, and this is a matter for the New West End Company and local businesses.
‘The Mayor is clear that he will always support and champion all of London’s diverse communities, including trans and non-binary Londoners.’
