The Justice Committee has launched a last-minute consultation on the shape of free speech protections in the Hate Crime Bill. Members of the public have until 10 am Monday 22 February to respond. It's a highly unusual step. However, it gives us another opportunity to call for strong free speech clauses in the bill.
Please email your thoughts on the Freedom of Expression Amendment to:
[email protected] by 10am on Monday 22nd February 2021.
It doesn't have to be a long submission, but certainly no more that 6 pages, and attached to your email as a Word document. It's also worthwhile sending a copy to all EIGHT of your MSPs - just put your postcode in HERE to find their email addresses.
The Committee has stressed that it will not publish any submissions that do not relate to the amendments on freedom of expression, so please ensure what you write relates to them in some way.
The Free to Disagree campaign group has provided some guidance on writing a response. More info here -
mailchi.mp/freetodisagree/urge-msps-to-call-for-more-changes-to-hate-crime-bill-7479981
In their view, allowing mere 'discussion and criticism' would not adequately protect free speech - particularly on contentious issues such as transgender identity, a subject of heated debate in Scottish society. It's imperative that the wording goes further on this characteristic and perhaps others as well.
For Women Scotland has also provided guidance on writing a response to the consultation. Further information here -
mailchi.mp/62b165d4aa6b/important-hate-crime-bill-consultation
The Justice Minister said NONE of the four options are the Scottish Government's preferred options, NONE of them were recommended by Lord Bracadale, who was tasked by the Government to review the hate crime laws - and NONE of them, in the opinion of For Women Scotland, will protect anyone from police investigations into 'transphobia' for speaking about women's rights.