Echoing previous criticisms that the legislation is too vague, the submission said that "how hatred is defined is not clear which leaves it open to wide interpretation" and this could "lead to vexatious claims having to be dealt with by police".
Their submission was published the day after the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill could mean officers "determining free speech", leading to a breakdown in relations with the public.
The proposed new law would make "stirring up hatred" against certain groups a criminal offence, even if a person making the remarks had not intended to do so or made them in private. Those convicted face up to seven years in prison....