Reaction to ‘innocent’ Hate Crime Bill amendments about transgender identity left MSP ‘alarmed and a little afraid’
The reaction to a free-speech amendment by Scotland' s humza yo us af to his controversial Hate Crime Bill left an MSP “alarmed and a little afraid”, a Holyrood committee has heard.
Scottish Conservative Ms pa nd convener of the justice committee adam tom kins said the reaction from some to Mr Yousaf 's amendment, which would have allowed a specific freedom of expressiondiscussing transgender identity, was“disturbing ”.
The amendment put down by Mr Yousaf last week said “behaviours and materials are not to be taken as threatening or abusive solely on the basis that it involves or includes discussion or criticism of matters relating to transgender identity”.
It sparked a backlash within his own party, with many younger and LGBT+ SNP members threatening to quit or resigning their membership, which prompted Nicola Sturgeon to record a video in which she pleaded with them to remain party members.
As a result, it was revealed by Mr Yousaf on Monday evening that he had withdrawn his amendment and had met with opposition parties to try and write a new amendment, which would give a broad freedom of expression protection for all categories, included in the Hate Crime Bill.
This was welcomed onTwitter by scottish greens co-leader Patrick Harvie, who said there had been“shockingly transphobic” amendments put down by MSPS to the bill.
However, Mr Tomkins said the reaction, including Mr Harvie’s tweet, to the original amendment had been distressing. He said decisions made on freedom of expression should not be made “behind closed doors”.
Mr Tomkins said with hate crime legislation there was a “criticism of vagueness” and of “over-breadth”, both of which must be avoided in the bill.
He added :“it seems tome that the events of last few days, the reaction to the amendments put down in this group about transgender identity make it more apparent that we absolutely must define what we mean.
“I have to say I have been disturbed by the reaction I have seen to what were modest, innocent amendments put down by the Cabinet Secretary and which I would have voted for.”