drawing of a megaphone

Hate crime bill changed after our campaign

September 24, 2020

The Hate Crime Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament is to be amended after an intervention by Humanist Society Scotland and our supporters.

The Scottish Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf, confirmed to Parliament that he would make changes asked for by Humanist Society Scotland on intent. Last month Humanist Society Scotland co-ordinated a joint letter from over 20 artists, journalists, human rights organisations and campaigners to warn that the wording of the bill risked stifling freedom of expression.

The new offence of stirring up hatred will now only apply in cases where intent is proven.

Welcoming the commitment, our Chief Executive, Fraser Sutherland, said:

This is a very welcome move by the Justice Secretary and shows that the government was serious when they said they were listening to concerns. The change to make the new stirring up offences ‘with intent’ only is something we have consistently asked for. This ensures best practice on intent from the UN Rabat Plan on incitement to hatred laws and shouldn’t see the law have a chilling effect on for example artistic freedom.
We will continue to engage with the government and opposition parties at the Scottish Parliament on other aspects of the bill that we have raised questions about.

Fraser Sutherland, Humanist Society Scotland

Latest Related Stories

An uopened letter with a wax seal across the flap sits on a table.

Writing to Reach You: Our Unanswered Letters on Assisted Dying to Humza Yousaf and His Health Secretary

Writing to Reach You: Our Unanswered Letters on Assisted Dying to Humza Yousaf and His Health Secretary
Humza Yousaf and Michael Matheson sit in a circle of people on chairs having a discussion. Humza wears a suit and Michael wears a shirt and tie.

Large majority of religious people in Scotland support assisted dying, new poll shows

Large majority of religious people in Scotland support assisted dying, new poll shows
The Edinburgh skyline in black and white, with spires and classical columns rising up.

New poll shows disabled people in Scotland overwhelmingly support assisted dying

New poll shows disabled people in Scotland overwhelmingly support assisted dying
A view of Edinburgh City Chambers, a set of neoclassical stone buildings forming a courtyard with archways in front.

Edinburgh Council removes voting rights from religious reps on education committee

Edinburgh Council removes voting rights from religious reps on education committee