{"id":27469,"date":"2024-04-01T06:33:28","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T10:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/?p=27469"},"modified":"2024-04-01T06:33:28","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T10:33:28","slug":"scotlands-new-hate-crime-law-comes-into-force","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/2024\/04\/01\/scotlands-new-hate-crime-law-comes-into-force\/","title":{"rendered":"Scotland&#8217;s new hate crime law comes into force"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\"><b class=\"ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">Scotland&#8217;s new hate crime law has come into force, with JK Rowling and Elon Musk among its critics.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The Harry Potter author and the owner of social media platform X both claim the legislation could harm free speech.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Senior police officers say they expect a flood of complaints about online posts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">But the Scottish government insists the law provides protection from hate and prejudice without stifling individual expression.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;I think there has been a lot of misinformation,&#8221; about the legislation, said the Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, before going on to claim, inaccurately, that it was &#8220;passed unanimously&#8221; by MSPs in 2021.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In fact the law was\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-56364821\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">approved by 82 votes to 32<\/a>\u00a0with four abstentions after heated debate about its contents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"unordered-list-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li><a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cd18ey5ze3yo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hate crime law could damage trust in police &#8211; chief<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68655579\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MSP&#8217;s legal threat to police over &#8216;hate incident&#8217;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-scotland-68570614\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hate crime law: Force for good or recipe for disaster?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/asp\/2021\/14\/contents\">Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021<\/a>\u00a0creates a new crime of &#8220;stirring up hatred&#8221; relating to age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The maximum penalty is a prison sentence of seven years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">A person commits an offence if they communicate material, or behave in a manner, &#8220;that a reasonable person would consider to be threatening or abusive,&#8221; with the intention of stirring up hatred based on the protected characteristics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Stirring up hatred based on race, colour, nationality or ethnicity was already illegal in Great Britain under the Public Order Act 1986 but, in an attempt to streamline the criminal law in Scotland, that too is now part of the Hate Crime Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The bar for this offence is lower than for the other protected characteristics, as it also includes &#8220;insulting&#8221; behaviour, and as the prosecution need only prove that stirring up hatred was &#8220;likely&#8221; rather than &#8220;intended&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">In England and Wales stirring up hatred over race, religion or sexual orientation by threatening or abusive behaviour remains illegal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The hate crime law in Scotland includes more protected characteristics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-19w8cxh-ComponentWrapper-HeadlineComponentWrapper egtrm1f0\" data-component=\"subheadline-block\">\n<h2 id=\"Free-speech-protection\" class=\"ssrcss-8pvmc2-StyledHeading e10rt3ze0\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span role=\"text\">Free speech protection<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Supporters of the new law point out that it contains safeguards designed to protect freedom of speech.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">For example, it states that it is a defence for a person charged with stirring up hatred to show that their actions were &#8220;reasonable.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It also references the right to freedom of expression in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which includes protection for &#8220;ideas that offend, shock or disturb.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">To be convicted of a hate crime, &#8220;you have to be really threatening and really abusive, and there has to be reasonable assumption from others that that is the case,&#8221; said Ms Brown.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">As well as the offence of stirring up hatred, the Hate Crime Act also consolidates the existing law on crimes which are &#8220;aggravated by prejudice.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">These are where an offender demonstrates malice or ill-will towards their victim based on a protected characteristic, which can be taken into account by a sheriff or judge with a longer sentence or a higher fine than would otherwise have been the case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">For example, if an assailant punched someone in the face while also making a hateful comment about their age, that might be assault aggravated by age-related hatred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">This is the first time that age has been included in the list of protected characteristics for aggravated offences, a move welcomed by some campaign groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be a positive thing for the country,&#8221; said Adam Stachura of the charity Age Scotland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Others are less enthusiastic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xza2yt-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\" data-component=\"image-block\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-8589xk-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1hq4gmv-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image edrdn950\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/6F8B\/production\/_133055582_adamthompkins.jpg 976w\" alt=\"Adam Thomkins\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" \/><\/picture><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-1mget3o-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-y7krbn-Stack e1y4nx260\">Former Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins voted against the bill<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Adam Tomkins, professor of public law at Glasgow University, and a former Conservative MSP, voted against the bill because it could see someone convicted of stirring up hatred for a comment they make in private in their own home, not just in public, &#8220;and I just don&#8217;t think that&#8217;s where the criminal law belongs.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">However, Professor Tomkins said he believed the law only posed a risk to free speech &#8220;if it&#8217;s misunderstood,&#8221; adding, &#8220;if it&#8217;s properly understood, I think this is a fairly safe piece of legislation now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Susan Smith of For Women Scotland, which\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-scotland-67659791\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">campaigned against recent proposed changes to gender law<\/a>, is not convinced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xza2yt-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\" data-component=\"image-block\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-8589xk-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1hq4gmv-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image edrdn950\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/F0CD\/production\/_133054616_afe50b23844c50e1f2e002fe5fe3dddc4215ca17.jpg 976w\" alt=\"Susan Smith, For Women Scotland\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" \/><\/picture><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-1mget3o-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-y7krbn-Stack e1y4nx260\">Susan Smith fears those who are investigated under the new law will have their lives &#8216;upended&#8217;<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;The tests are quite woolly and we don&#8217;t know how people are going to interpret this,&#8221; she told BBC News.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;We do anticipate that there will be a lot of malicious complaints, a lot of rather trivial complaints and potentially people who are investigated will see their lives upended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">&#8220;I imagine there will be many complaints, for example, made against JK Rowling,&#8221; she added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Ms Rowling, a prominent critic of some transgender activism, described the law as &#8220;ludicrous&#8221; in a\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/jk_rowling\/status\/1769412494353678400\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">defiant post<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter) last month.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Mr Musk has\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/elonmusk\/status\/1770032208662663278\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cited<\/a>\u00a0discussion about the legislation as an &#8220;example of why it is so important to preserve freedom of speech.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Vic Valentine of the charity Scottish Trans said the organisation supported the law because of the &#8220;serious impact that hate crime can have on LGBTI people.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xza2yt-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\" data-component=\"image-block\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-8589xk-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1ks3084-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image edrdn950\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/06D5\/production\/_132694710_a780abf31cfc8f7bd90c8ecbb83989266c5300b3.jpg 976w\" alt=\"Vic Valentine from Scottish Trans is in favour of the new legislation\" width=\"976\" height=\"732\" \/><\/picture><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-1mget3o-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-y7krbn-Stack e1y4nx260\">Vic Valentine from Scottish Trans says the delay is frustrating<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It would not, Vic added, criminalise behaviour which transgender people might simply find upsetting, offensive or even transphobic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-19w8cxh-ComponentWrapper-HeadlineComponentWrapper egtrm1f0\" data-component=\"subheadline-block\">\n<h2 id=\"Police-resourcing\" class=\"ssrcss-8pvmc2-StyledHeading e10rt3ze0\" tabindex=\"-1\"><span role=\"text\">Police resourcing<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The SNP-led Scottish government has tried to soothe concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Siobhian Brown described the act as &#8220;ambitious&#8221; while also insisting it would &#8220;not necessarily&#8221; criminalise anything that was not already criminal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Asked whether &#8220;misgendering&#8221; someone or making a comment about their religion would be a crime the minister replied: &#8220;This will be up to Police Scotland. I wouldn&#8217;t say misgendering if you say something on social media for example it would be up to Police Scotland to determine.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Ch Supt Rob Hay of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), which represents senior officers, said there was the potential for a &#8220;huge uplift&#8221; in complaints about social media posts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xza2yt-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\" data-component=\"image-block\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-8589xk-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1hq4gmv-Placeholder etlorgc0\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg.webp 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg.webp 976w\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image edrdn950\" src=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/240\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg 240w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/320\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg 320w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg 480w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg 624w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/0A55\/production\/_133054620_robhay.jpg 976w\" alt=\"Ch Supt Rob Hay of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents\" width=\"976\" height=\"549\" \/><\/picture><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"ssrcss-1mget3o-StyledFigureCaption e34k3c22\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-y7krbn-Stack e1y4nx260\">Ch Supt Rob Hay said the resourcing of police is a key concern (Image: ASPS)<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Mr Hay said his central concern was that Police Scotland &#8220;haven&#8217;t been provided with any additional resources in terms of dealing with this piece of legislation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Just last month the national force said it was no longer able to investigate every &#8220;low level&#8221; crime, including some cases of theft and criminal damage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">It has, however, pledged to investigate every hate crime complaint it receives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">BBC News understands that these will be assessed by a &#8220;dedicated team&#8221; within Police Scotland including &#8220;a number of hate crime advisers&#8221; to assist officers in determining what, if any, action to take.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">At a recent meeting of the Scottish Police Authority board, Chief Constable Jo Farrell said her force would apply the act &#8220;in a measured way&#8221; under &#8220;close scrutiny.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Debate about the act has also resurrected a long-running row about how police forces throughout Britain record allegations of hate crimes where no charges are brought.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has been\u00a0<a class=\"ssrcss-1j7tryj-InlineLink e1kn3p7n0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68655579\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">leading a campaign<\/a>\u00a0against the recording of what are termed &#8220;non-crime hate incidents&#8221; after he discovered that Police Scotland had recorded a comment he had made on social media as a hate incident, despite deciding that no crime had been committed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">More generally, the publicity about the new law, and the controversy surrounding it, has prompted warnings that it could lead to self-censorship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">Roddy Dunlop KC, dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said it could have a &#8220;chilling effect&#8221; on free speech.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">And some feminist groups have raised concerns that the absence of sex as a protected characteristic in the legislation leaves women unprotected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-uf6wea-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\" data-component=\"text-block\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph e1jhz7w10\">The Scottish government has promised to introduce a separate misogyny law &#8220;in due course&#8221; following a report by the barrister, Helena Kennedy KC.<\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-scotland-68703684\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\">Scotland&#8217;s new hate crime law has come into force, with JK Rowling and Elon Musk among its critics. The Harry Potter author and the owner of social media platform X both claim the legislation could <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/2024\/04\/01\/scotlands-new-hate-crime-law-comes-into-force\/\" title=\"Scotland&#8217;s new hate crime law comes into force\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[2336,7596,1077,5869],"class_list":{"0":"post-27469","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"category-uk","9":"tag-hate-crimes","10":"tag-police-scotland","11":"tag-scotland","12":"tag-scottish-government","13":"pmpro-has-access"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27469"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27472,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27469\/revisions\/27472"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}