Steven Alexander

The Women’s Rights Network in Northern Ireland has warned Féile an Phobail that it may seek an injunction and other legal action unless the west Belfast festival reinstates a cancelled panel event. The group says Féile ignored attempts to mediate and may have breached obligations attached to approximately £800,000 in annual public funding by withdrawing the event over concerns that it opposed transgender rights. Féile maintains it was unaware of the event’s nature when it was submitted and cancelled it because it believed the programme promoted campaigns against transgender rights. The dispute follows JK Rowling’s offer to help cover the network’s legal costs.