JKR denied US Presidential Award by Bush administration?

This news initially broke a couple weeks ago but has recently been picked up in various major media outlets. According to a new book by Matt Latimer, who was US President Bush's speechwriter, Bush's administration had denied JK Rowling a Presidential Award because the Potter books promoted witchcraft.

From the BBC:

The claims appear in Latimer's new book called Speechless: Tales of a White House Survivor.

He wrote that "narrow thinking" led White House officials to object to giving Rowling the civilian honour.

The award acknowledges contributions to US national interest, world peace or cultural endeavours.

Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed in with the tip.

Posted by Andrew on Oct 2nd | 170 Comments