A controversial hate crime law in Scotland has been passed. The legislation had attracted a wide coalition in opposition to it, including evangelicals.
During the debate at Holyrood, Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, accepted one amendment from the Tory MSP Adam Tomkins which restated rights under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which emphasises the right ‘to offend, shock or disturb’, in relation to a reasonableness defence.
The law creates a new offence of ‘stirring up hatred’ on the grounds of religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or transgender identity.
Improvement
Simon Calvert, of the Christian Institute, which was part of the ‘Free to Disagree’ campaign against the Bill, said the final version was an improvement.
‘“Tackling hatred” sounds a noble cause,’ he said. ‘But rhetoric and reality are not the same thing. The original Bill was so broad it could have seen people prosecuted simply for explaining Christian sexual ethics.’
He added: ‘The Scottish Government came under unprecedented pressure and was forced to concede several key changes to its plans. If you were one of those who took action: thank you. Free speech in Scotland is safer because of you.’
