NEW YORK (AP) — J.K. Rowling's passion for free expression is so strong it extends to someone she'd otherwise not care to discuss: Donald Trump.

 

Speaking Monday night before 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 banning the presumptive Republican presidential nominee from entering the United Kingdom, saying such actions endangered everyone's rights.

 

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

 

PEN, the literary and human rights organization, also honored 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.