Hate crime Bill set to be most hated in Holyrood’s history
THE SNP’s hate crime Bill is on course to be the ‘most hated’ in Holyrood history, with a record number of responses from the public.
More people have written to the Justice Committee, which is scrutinising the proposed law, than about any other legislation in the devolution era, according to analysis by the Scots Tories.
It shows the strength of feelings about the Bill, which critics warn would criminalise comments deemed ‘abusive and offensive’ and ‘likely’ to stir up hatred – regardless of intent.
It has attracted criticism from celebrities such as author Val McDermid, while a poll showed the majority of Scots are concerned.
While submissions to the Justice Committee have not yet been fully analysed, they are expected to show a majority opposed.
Last year, when the Scottish Government consulted on hate crime laws, the majority of individuals who responded were opposed, or did not want them extended.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has pledged to listen to criticism and amend the Bill, but faces a major challenge in convincing Scots it will not result in an attack on freedom of speech.
The Bill has faced criticism from the Scottish Police Federation, Faculty of Advocates, Senators of College of Justice and Sheriffs Association, and religious groups.
Liam Kerr, Scots Tory justice spokesman, said: ‘This analysis shows the hate crime Bill is the most controversial law to ever come before the parliament – and looks set to be the most hated.
‘The problem isn’t hate crime legislation in itself, it’s the dangerous way this Bill has been constructed and drafted by the SNP.
‘As drafted, the SNP’s hate crime Bill threatens our fundamental right to freedom of speech and that’s why so many are furious.
‘In the history of devolution, no Bill has attracted this number of responses. If the SNP presses on with this Bill in this form, the outcry will only increase and it risks a controversy that looks likely to be worse than Named Persons.’
The Named Persons law was designed to appoint a ‘state snooper’ to check on the wellbeing of every child in Scotland, but was unpopular, found to be a breach of youngsters’ human rights by the Supreme Court, and ultimately ditched.
The Scottish Government saw off an attempt to scrap its Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill in parliament last week.
Mr Yousaf admitted: ‘People have legitimate concerns about the stirring-up offences. I will listen to the evidence the justice committee produces in that regard, and I will listen to external stakeholders.’
Meanwhile, a survey of councillors by campaign group Free To Disagree found strong opposition in town halls, with almost seven in ten believing the Bill ‘threatens free speech’.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘There has been a wide array of views with many organisations offering support for the intent of hate crime legislation.
‘Hate crime is a significant problem, with Police Scotland recording 6,736 hate crimes in 2017-18, and 886 being common assaults fuelled by prejudice.
‘To abandon those who are the targets of hatred is to abandon the very people that need our protection.’
‘People have legitimate concerns... I will listen’