VERY REV DR SUSAN BROWN

Convener of the Faith Impact Forum of the Church of Scotland

In recent years the Church of Scotland General Assembly has expressed concern about rising hate speech and the incidence of hate crime. Hateful words, attitudes and behaviours are a sad reality of our society.

The Church of Scotland has delivered programmes designed to overcome them, including inter-faith work to counter hate speech, actions against sectarianism and violence against women, as well as initiatives to promote intercultural dialogue and refugee integration.

Legislation is needed to ensure that minority groups and people with protected characteristics have access to justice and safety.

We have been grateful of the opportunity to share the experiences of the church with MSPS, with members of the government and as part of Lord Bracadale’s review of hate crime legislation.

Some of our partner churches have written about their anxiety about possible unintended consequences of the legislation. These views must be carefully considered and, where appropriate, reassurances and safeguards put in place to protect the rights and freedoms of people to hold and express a diversity of opinions on matters relating to religion and belief.

We celebrate our part in a multi- faith and pluralist Scotland where people are able to worship and practise their religion freely.

Holyrood needs to make sure this Bill strikes the right balance between tackling hate crime and protecting freedom of expression.

We look forward to continuing to engage with parliamentarians and others about our shared ideas, hopes and anxieties for how we can work for the common good.