Prosecuted with hate crime law... for quoting Bible?
CHRISTIANS fear SNP hate crime laws will lead to them being criminalised for quoting the Bible – as others may find it offensive.
Faith groups and secularists have spoken out against the Scottish Government plan, describing it as a ‘serious threat to religious liberty and free speech’.
Ministers have consulted on extending hate crime laws in a bid to crack down on the persecution of minorities.
They plan tougher sentences for crimes motivated by hatred based on age, religion, sexuality or gender – such as those which already exist for race – and a separate offence of ‘stirring up hatred’.
Crucially, the threshold for this offence is set to be lower than in England, where it needs to be proved that someone intended to stir up hatred, or that was the likely effect.
There is a fear Scots could be criminalised if what they say is judged to be offensive to someone else, which could have implications for freedom of speech.
James Mildred, of the charity CARE (Christian Action, Research and Education) said: ‘Balancing the need to promote a civilised society with the absolute freedom to express our views, no matter how unpopular, is always immensely difficult.
‘MSPs will want to consider these new laws very carefully indeed. If there is even the slightest risk to free speech, then the legislation should be redrafted or rejected entirely.’
Ciarán Kelly, of the Christian Institute, said: ‘This is a very concerning Bill.
‘If it becomes law it could have implications for many areas of life. Certain groups are far too quick to find offence whenever someone disagrees with them.
‘Biblical truth is offensive to many. Sadly, it is not difficult to see how the broad language of the Bill might be used to suppress free speech.’
‘Intent to stir up hatred is not required for an offence to be committed, meaning people may become criminals simply because they didn’t realise how their views might be interpreted.’
The proposals have also drawn criticism from secularists.
Chris Sloggett, of the National Secular Society, said: ‘Making society more welcoming for people from all religious backgrounds is a worthy goal. But disempowering ordinary people by restricting their freedom of expression is likely to antagonise rather than create social harmony. This vague law will undermine open debate.’
The Bill could also have an impact on gender recognition debate, which is raging within the SNP.
Senior members including MSP Joan McAlpine and MP Joanna Cherry have raised concerns about plans to make it easier for men to identify as women.
Writing on this page, Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw warns: ‘You cannot gag your way to a better society.’