Scotland's implementation of new hate crime legislation, effective from April 1, 2024, has ignited widespread controversy and debate. The law, which criminalizes behavior perceived as 'threatening or abusive' and capable of stirring up hatred based on 'protected characteristics', has been criticized for potentially stifling free speech and encouraging a culture of reporting perceived hate speech among neighbors, friends, and family. Notably, First Minister Humza Yousaf's comments in a public debate on March 14, 2023, and his "WHITE!" speech on February 20, 2023, have led to a significant number of hate crime complaints against him. Critics, including journalist and author Dr. Debbie Hayton and former Conservative MP Ross Thomson, have expressed concerns over the law's implications for free expression and its potential to prioritize policing thoughts and online posts over addressing 'real crimes'. High-profile figures such as J.K. Rowling, who has been vocal about her opposition, suggest the legislation is 'wide open to abuse' and poses dangers to women's rights, with violations potentially resulting in up to 7 years in jail.
On @PatrickChristys Tonight from 9-11pm... - Why is the CofE pandering to other cultures? - Are the police excusing Swastikas at protests? - Scotland's new hate laws criminalise you for things you say in your own HOME! Patrick thinks Labour will do the same for Britain. https://t.co/ULYZ96xZkL
It seems Scottish First Minister @HumzaYousaf has been mass reported for his racist tirade at white people. A follower of mine has made some intelligent observations via DM. "Hi David, "I just typed "Humza reported" into the search box on X - there's pages & pages to scroll… https://t.co/pEm1yJk7tH
🏴🏳️⚧️ In Scotland, you can now receive a 7-year prison sentence for making jokes about transgenderism. People MUST push back before our governments attempt to normalize this tyranny. https://t.co/FAyMahVYIE
J.K. Rowling takes no prisoners. Thread: https://t.co/1zlK2KBcXf
✒️ 'The resolute defence of JK Rowling's right to speak out about the dangers posed by the new legislation may now spark a campaign to repeal the Act as soon as possible' | Writes @Alan_Cochrane Read the full column here👇 https://t.co/bAvsr7DwMH https://t.co/GjNdBRR9YT
It was 1697 when the last man in Scotland was condemned for blasphemy. 🏴 Today, we’ve introduced a new blasphemy law to punish heretics of the dominant Church of “woke”. Those who speak out against “trans” orthodoxies could face up to 7 years in jail. My interview last night: https://t.co/aSBscpxeIa
I have a lot of admiration for J.K. Rowling's courage, and willingness to stand up for women's rights in the face of woke totalitarianism. https://t.co/cvtF3wcDuv
It seems @HumzaYousaf's Hate Hate Speech Act has completely backfired as thousands have reported his notorious hate "white" speech from the 20th Feb 2023. You can either dial 101 or fill in the form here. https://t.co/dPFfTUpqSr https://t.co/JdevEuI2Li
On SNP's Orwellian new law, I'm with JK Rowling, says STEPHEN DAISLEY https://t.co/b91G3zPGfk https://t.co/dYOCqJFYih
Oh my! @jk_rowling is taking no prisoners! https://t.co/5ER9YapOeY
‘Police aren't on the streets solving real crimes. Instead they’re now in offices policing peoples thoughts and online posts’ - @RossThomson_Abz, Ex-Conservative MP Humza Yousaf's new hate speech laws pave the way for gender critics, like J.K. Rowling, to potentially be jailed. https://t.co/VolEIcuibf
The Harry Potter author has said the new legislation is "wide open to abuse." https://t.co/XaDah1czWD
In Scotland, online misgendering ‘could be investigated’ under new law https://t.co/mc3Mj7n8SA
J.K. Rowling is going scorched earth and I'm absolutely here for it🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/15t6Q0AkV7
‘Offence has to be the price we pay for freedom!’ Emily Carver blasts SNP over ‘ludicrous’ new hate crime law https://t.co/8OYTeGY889
Meanwhile in Scotland… Beginning today, it's now a CRIME to say or post an insulting statement if it can cause someone else to have "hateful" views That includes any insult that could end up "stirring up hatred" against illegal aliens https://t.co/1G9c6FmmNz
J.K. Rowling is a true heroine, placing herself at risk to shield women and children from living monsters disguised as women. She is a model for the ages. https://t.co/9e1VaMocIQ
This amazing woman @jk_rowling is an absolute legend. Today is just such a dark, dark day for Scottish history and freedom. JKR is putting a shield around us all- https://t.co/0eE0dJ7oel
Humza Yousaf defends controversial hate crime laws. The new measures aim to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice but have come under fire from opponents who claim they could stifle free speech. https://t.co/be50xhNgth https://t.co/QPyC4wje0q
My interview with Sky News Australia on the persecution of JK Rowling and the tyranny of hate crime laws. ⬇️ https://t.co/KGGYuyi9PU
Just in🔥 People are also reporting First Minister Humza Yousaf for 'Hate Crime' after he previously suggested Isla Bryson wasn't a 'genuine' trans woman in a public debate on the 14th of March 2023. People are said to be complaining about this by dialling 101 and using the… https://t.co/Pjssj08EPx
We go live to Police Scotland's hate crime section... https://t.co/R2hL7z5UZL
Join @ThatAlexWoman and @TVKev from 1pm-3pm: ► Tories on course to be wiped out at next election ► MPs demand statistics on crimes migrant groups commit ► Scotland's draconian new hate crime laws 📺https://t.co/kjZCkcqlve https://t.co/EssYeuRv0N
SNITCHLAND (formally known as Scotland) If you live in Scotland join thousands of other citizens who have already reported this speech to the Police, using their handy online snitch form. Under the new Hate Crime Bill, this ticks ALL the boxes 🤡 https://t.co/rPpyPeBBkL
From today, in Scotland, it is a crime to use what others perceive to be “threatening or abusive” behaviour which stirs up hatred on the basis of "protected characteristics", incl. what's said in your own home & which will go on your criminal record. This is not an April Fools.
"It's very dangerous, it starts politicising what people are allowed to say." Journalist and author Dr Debbie Hayton says the SNP's new 'hate crime' law means George Orwell's 1984 should be renamed '2024'. @DehennaDavison | @DebbieHayton https://t.co/KJeIU1jpC0
Just in🔥 Wings over Scotland on Twitter: "A police source this morning tells Wings that by just 8am on Day 1, a single division has already received more than a dozen Hate Crime complaints about Humza Yousaf's "WHITE!" speech 😄" https://t.co/i9WQLpUh8u
Wings over Scotland on Twitter: "A police source this morning tells Wings that by just 8am on Day 1, a single division has already received more than a dozen Hate Crime complaints about Humza Yousaf's "WHITE!" speech 😄"
‼️SCOTLAND - Police tell a nation to snitch on neighbours, friends and family members if they say something you think someone else may not like!! The persecution of anyone who disagrees with Government issued narratives starts today ‼️ https://t.co/Wlq5RhD008