Trans campaigners at war with Oxford Street as they launch petition against themed Harry Potter Christmas lights that 'promote JK Rowling's gender-critical views'

Trans activists have launched a petition against Harry Potter-themed Christmas lights in London, saying they will make members of the LGBTQ+ community feel unwelcome. 

Festive decorations are being set up on Oxford Street to promote the release of the new HBO Harry Potter TV series on December 25. 

However, more than 10,000 people have already sent emails to Sadiq Khan calling on him to 'pull the plug on transphobia' and cancel the themed lights.

The petition, which has been launched by the Good Law Project, opposes the affiliation with Ms Rowling's work due to her gender critical views. 

The page reads: 'Sadiq Khan says he's an ally of the trans community, declaring that trans rights are human rights, and that London will remain a safe, welcoming space for trans people.

'So why is he allowing one of the most famous anti-trans people in the world to take over Oxford Street?

'Harry Potter lights in one of the busiest streets of London will not make trans people feel Christmassy, welcome, or safe.

'JK Rowling has promised she'll use some of the money from the new Harry Potter series to fund the anti-trans rights movement. This will only make her more money. 

'Khan told trans people "this city is yours too". If he really means it, he'll stand with the trans community, and against hate. Email him now and ask him to pull the plug on transphobia.'

When the Daily Mail contacted Lord Khan, his office said he was not responsible for the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, which are instead organised by the New West End Company.

The New West End Company currently has no plans to pull down the decorations, which will be accompanied by the opening of the Harry Potter shop on the street.

JK Rowling, who wrote the books on which the new HBO series is based, is a prominent gender critical and feminist campaigner. 

She has, however, denied that her views are transphobic, saying she respects 'every trans person's rights to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them'. 

A New West End Company spokesman said: 'New West End Company has partnered with HBO Max for this year's Oxford Street Christmas decorations, offering millions of fans an exciting way to discover the magic of Harry Potter as they look forward to the series coming this Christmas.

'The partnership celebrates the joy of the festive season and is intended to create an enchanting experience for visitors to Oxford Street and the West End, which continues to be a place where all are welcome.'

A spokesman for the Mayor added: '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.'