SHERIFFS, newspapers and the BBC are among the latest organisations to raise concerns about the Scottish Government’s proposed new Hate Crime Bill.
With MSPs having received an “unprecedented” 2000-plus submissions when they called for views on it, Holyrood’s Justice Committee has published some of the responses it received.
Criticism of the bill has centred around plans for a new offence of “stirring up hatred”, with opponents concerned that this will stifle freedom of expression.
In its response, the Scottish Newspaper Society said it believes the legislation “poses a serious threat to freedom of expression in its broadest sense”.
It stated: “We fully appreciate the good intentions which lie at the heart of the legislation, and we certainly welcome the abolition of the offence of blasphemy, but that is overshadowed by what we feel are some highly dangerous measures in the rest of the legislation and we have grave reservations about the considerable risks to freedom of expression they represent.”
Meanwhile, writers’ organisation Scottish PEN said measures in the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill had the “potential to introduce new and serious restrictions on what people say in public, in print, on air, and on stage”.
BBC Scotland said it “strongly shares” both organisations’ concerns about the impact of the Bill.
The Humanist Society of Scotland said it is opposed to the new “stirring up” offences as currently drafted.
The Sheriffs’ Association said the legislation does not contain a definition of what would amount to “insulting” behaviour or material. “If insulting behaviour or material is to be criminalised, a statutory definition should be included in the legislation,” it said.
Humza Yousaf has already told MSPs he will consider whether changes need to be made to the bill, insisting he has noted the “particular concerns” that have been raised. The Justice Secretary said: “I am grateful to all those who have responded to Parliament’s call for evidence, which we will consider very carefully.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel