‘Unprecedented’ response to Scotland’s ‘contentious’ hate crime Bill

Scotland’s highly controversial hate crime Bill has provoked an “unprecedented” response, according to the Justice Committee.

A consultation about the plans has received almost 2,000 submissions.

Committee Convener Adam Tomkins MSP said that the process could be delayed in order to ensure adequate scrutiny.

‘Contentious’

Tomkins said: “The number of submissions we have received is unprecedented and reflects that this Bill is contentious.”

“Given the importance of this legislation – and the strength of feeling it is generating – it is vital that sufficient time is allowed for scrutiny.

this Bill is contentious

“Our Committee has already agreed that it will revisit the deadline of 18 December should it become necessary.”

‘Sinister’

If passed, the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill would criminalise words deemed “likely” to “stir up hatred” against particular groups. It would not require any proof of intent.

The proposed legislation has met with fierce criticism since being announced, with politicians, academics and many other public figures expressing serious concerns about the impact on free speech.

BBC presenter Neil Oliver described the Bill as “sinister” and a threat to “everything it means to be Scottish”.

He said: “You will hear a lot less from all sorts of people in Scotland about all sorts of things. It will be safer in the minds of many to keep quiet, to keep the head down, to hold that thought”.