A senior SNP MP has criticized new hate crime legislation in Scotland, suggesting that it curbs freedom of speech and resembles McCarthyism. The legislation, which creates new offences of 'stirring up' hatred, has been controversial and is set to come into force next week.
A senior SNP MP has branded new legislation aimed at stamping out hate crime as 'McCarthyism'. Joanna Cherry suggested that Police Scotland 's logging of hate incidents was curbing freedom of speech . She warned the force's plan to maintain records of every reported hate incident on file - even if they don't amount to a crime - 'needs reviewed'. It comes ahead of the SNP 's new hate crime law finally coming into force next week.
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act was passed by MSPs in March 2021 but it has been one of the most controversial pieces of legislation debated by MSPs in the last few years. The legislation creates new offences of 'stirring up' hatred - which previously applied only to race - by extending it protected characteristics such as disability, race, religion and sexual orientation. Critics feared the initial proposals could have a chilling effect on freedom of speech and the Government faced a backlash
SNP Hate Crime Legislation Mccarthyism Freedom Of Speech Police Scotland Records Controversial Stirring Up Hatred Protected Characteristics
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