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Scotland's controversial new hate crime laws come into force


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Scotland's new Hate Crime and Public Order Act, which aims to address the harm caused by hatred and prejudice, has officially taken effect, sparking debate and concerns over its potential impact on free speech. The legislation, passed by a majority of MSPs in 2021, consolidates existing laws and introduces new offenses targeting behavior intended to stir up hatred based on various characteristics such as age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.

 

However, the implementation of these laws has faced criticism from opponents who argue that they could restrict freedom of expression and be misused to settle personal scores. One contentious issue raised is whether misgendering someone online could constitute a hate crime under the new law. While a Holyrood minister stated that such incidents could be investigated by police, the threshold for criminality remains high, with actions needing to be deemed threatening and abusive.

 

Supporters of the legislation, including First Minister Humza Yousaf, emphasize the importance of combating hatred in society and express confidence in police investigations to appropriately address instances of hate crime. The laws were developed following an independent review by Lord Bracadale, which recommended specific offenses related to stirring up hatred.

 

Despite assurances of safeguards for free speech, concerns persist among critics, including prominent figures like JK Rowling and Elon Musk, who argue that the legislation could stifle open discourse. Some groups fear that the vague nature of the laws and the potential for malicious reporting could lead to an abuse of the system and the targeting of individuals for political purposes.

 

Police Scotland has pledged to investigate every hate complaint it receives, but there are calls for greater clarity and transparency surrounding the enforcement of the new laws. The Scottish Conservatives have advocated for the repeal of the act, suggesting that resources would be better directed toward frontline policing efforts.

 

Amidst the controversy, proponents of the legislation stress the importance of creating safer communities free from hatred and prejudice. They assert that protections for freedom of expression are embedded in the legislation and that the new offenses have a higher threshold for criminality compared to existing laws targeting racial hatred.

 

As Scotland grapples with the implementation of these new hate crime laws, the balance between protecting vulnerable groups and upholding principles of free speech remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.

 

 

02.04.24

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Call me naive but even I was surprised by the level of anti-Scots prejudice on here.

Can I just quote Mike Small in "Bella Caledonia" today - "Embarrassingly for the narrative that’s been built-up, age, disability and transgender identity have been added along with religious grounds and sexual orientation, bringing Scotland into line with *checks notes* England which have had religion and sexual orientation as crimes down south since 2006 and 2008 respectively".

So wheesht, you lot. Just wheesht.

 

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2 minutes ago, RuamRudy said:

 

What complete and utter guff you have written here. I gave a link which clearly puts his comments in context but you either fail to understand the subtlety or it doesn't fit your agenda. Are you that which you accuse others of?

 

If you want to highlight blatant racism, look to the leader of the Tory party's Scottish branch. 

Maybe Scotland should start voting for white leaders that will represent white Scots, yer ken.

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