JK Rowling’s passion for free expression is so strong it extends to someone she’d otherwise not care to discuss: Donald Trump.

JK RowlingJK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter novels (Ian West/PA)

Speaking in front of hundreds gathered for PEN America’s annual gala at the American Museum of Natural History, the Harry Potter author noted that she opposed a recent petition calling for the banning of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee from entering the United Kingdom, saying such actions endangered everyone’s rights.

She received a PEN award for her writing and her humanitarian work.

PEN, the literary and human rights organisation, also honoured imprisoned Egyptian author Ahmed Naji – whose brother Mohamed accepted on his behalf – Hachette Book Group CEO Michael Pietsch and Dr Mona Hanna-Attisha and LeeAnne Walters – who helped expose deadly levels of lead in the water in Flint, Michigan.