Concerns have been raised about the free speech implications of plans to extend hate crime legislation in Scotland. The proposed Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill "seeks to modernise and extend existing hate crime legislation".
One proposed addition to existing laws would create new offences relating to stirring up hatred that apply to all listed characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. At present, the offences relate only to race.
The Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee has been seeking views on the proposals and will analyse responses in the coming months. ...