Blackadder’s battle for free speech... now TV star joins f ight against SNP Hate Bill
Comedy legend joins chorus of opposition as backlash grows
BLACKADDER actor Rowan Atkinson yesterday joined other high-profile figures to criticise the SNP’s new hate crime law as an attack on free speech.
The comedy star put his name to a letter opposing the move as the backlash against the proposals grow.
Elaine C Smith, the former Rab C Nesbitt actress and independence campaigner who counts the First Minister as a personal friend, was also among the signatories.
The letter warns that the proposals could ‘have unintended consequences’ that result in ‘stifling free expression’.
Others signing the letter include proindependence author Val McDermid and writer Chris Brookmyre.
The controversial proposals widen the definition of a hate crime to include age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender issues as well as race. People found guilty of ‘stirring up hatred’ would face up to seven years in jail.
Critics have cited the row over author JK Rowling’s views on transgender issues as an example of how ‘cancel culture’ would become enshrined in law as the state dictates what we say and which books we read.
The letter, which was signed by 23 individuals or groups, said: ‘We represent a diverse group of individuals and organisations concerned about the impact on freedom of expression of the proposed Hate Crime and Public Order Bill as currently drafted.
‘We welcome the provisions to consolidate existing aggravated hate crimes and the repeal of the blasphemy law. However, the Bill creates stirring up offences without any intent being examined; merely that the words, action, or artwork might do so. This offence could even be applied to being in possession of materials produced by someone else, where sharing the material could stir up hatred.
‘The unintended consequences of this well-meaning Bill risk stifling freedom of expression, and the ability to articulate or criticise religious and other beliefs.’
Holyrood’s justice committee held a consultation on the Bill, which closed last month.
Groups including the Law Society of Scotland, the Catholic Church and the Scottish Police Federation have already condemned the proposals. Fraser Sutherland, chief executive of the Humanist Society Scotland, which co-ordinated the letter, said: ‘The Bill as proposed has behind it some sound intentions.
‘However it is clear from the broad support to our joint letter that concerns remain about poorly drafted provisions.
‘The failure of the Bill to require intent to be proven in court on some offences risks a significant chilling effect on free expression.’ Other signatories included philosopher and author Professor AC Grayling, TV presenter Nick Ross, playwright Alan Bissett, journalist Ruth Wishart and Dundee Rep chief executive Andrew Panton.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘From artists to lawyers, politicians to people in the street, the feeling is that this draft Bill is a threat to free speech – the keystone of democracy.
‘This letter is just the latest opposition to a deeply flawed Bill, which would criminalise the arts as well as well-intentioned members of the public who pose no threat.
He added: ‘[Justice Secretary] Humza Yousaf has now heard arguments from every perspective. The SNP must withdraw this Bill and rethink the legislation.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We will continue to work with stakeholders and opposition where there are genuine concerns raised about the implications of the Hate Crime Bill.
‘But the Bill does not seek to stifle criticism or rigorous debate in any way.
‘People can express controversial, challenging or offensive views – as long as this is not done in a threatening or abusive way that is intended or likely to stir up hatred.’
‘Unintended consequences’