The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act aims to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice but has come under fire from opponents who claim the new laws could stifle free speech.
A move to repeal Scotland's new controversial hate crime laws has failed. The motion lodged by the Scottish Conservatives was voted down following a debate at Holyrood on Wednesday. Russell Findlay MSP, shadow justice secretary for the Scottish Tories, kickstarted proceedings and said the act had 'transformed Scotland into a place of international mockery'.
' What is the law and why is it controversial? The Hate Crime and Public Order Act came into force on 1 April and aims to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice, extending protections from abusive behaviour to people on grounds including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity. Scottish Labour backed the legislation when it was passed in 2021, but has criticised the implementation in recent weeks and is now calling for sex to be added to the act.
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