Scotland: Hate crime act 'protection for groups with protected characteristics', says SNP minister

The Scottish government's victims and community safety minister Siobhian Brown talks to Sky's Trevor Phillips about new hate crime laws in Scotland.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act makes it illegal to stir up hatred against certain groups in Scotland.

Ms Brown says: "It would be an offence to incite hatred, to be abusive and threatening, stirring up hatred towards an individual which would cause them fear and alarm".

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#scotland #politics

[alexb]

Over 95% of people in Scotland identify as white yet Humza had a very aggressive rant that most of the people he sees are white and needs more people who are not. This feels extremely racist and needs to be reported

[LaLeMay]

Let’s not forget that this is a blasphemy law via the back door. She cannot define hate. She cannot define fear and alarm. Anyone can report someone and claim they were caused fear and alarm. Therefore anyone can and will claim ‘fear and alarm’ to silence people they disagree with or have an axe to grind with and report them to the police who will investigate. This is going to take up ALL police time - and the police are delighted as they can police this from the comfort of their desks, read social media and emails and do all their work from home even! Much better than being out on the beat tackling burglars, knife crime, physical assault, domestic violence, it’s brilliant.

[zelig]

This woman caused me fear and alarm as it terrifies me that she is so flippant with our right. I have therefore decided I must report her.

[daviestewart]

I'm white and Scottish so, it will be alright for Humza Yousaf to continue making racist remarks directed at me then!

[KevIn-qyps]

It’s a crime to disagree with them, that’s the new law.

[Barneybhoy]

The SNP don’t listen to any of their so called stakeholders. Bad law after bad law. The arrogance is breathtaking.

[tombarry]

Police Scotland will end up spending more time on this nonsense than solving real crimes.

[dufc]

As a former member of the SNP who wouldn't now vote for them under any circumstances, all I will say is what this law is doing is destroying the SNP.

[jwalk]

Worrying that ministers of the people, making laws for the people, cannot explain them to the people

[PhilipFranklin-jo]

I found Yusuff's white white white speech offensive, will the police investigate that?

[Àdhamh_Fife]

"It's my understanding" eh? She is a minister in the government that brought this legislation in! She doesn't have a clue. 🤦‍♂

[muttley]

So if what this minister just said is true how did humza get away with a hate speech about white people? I find there to be a bit of a contradiction?

[cdeford]

The Scottish Paliament shouldn't have any powers to create these kinds of laws, because it creates different crimes in different parts of the UK. This is complete madness.

[taggart]

Just sad what SNP have done to my country

[purplepoppyz]

Speaking the truth is not hate. It isn’t a threat. It isn’t a call for violence. It’s simply THE truth based on FACT.

[johnfrancis]

Fear is subjective. Some people are afraid of shadows. This is madness.

[andrewjohnston]

I don't think it'll affect me too much - after 60 years of being an opinionated bigot I'm not going to change my ways now.

[DestroyDEI]

Scotland out here protecting the groomers while arresting people over non-issues. Typical.

[facehugger]

Lets say I keep mentioning that Aisha was 9. Facts aren't a hate crime.

[shaunbarney]

Scotland once was a great country. Look at the state of it now.