GOVERNMENT TO ANNOUNCE HATE CRIME BILL CHANGES THIS AFTERNOON
From Free to Disagree newsletter
Later today Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf will make a statement on the Hate Crime Bill after an announcement on Sunday that the government is prepared to make “significant changes”. We eagerly await the substance of these changes which will determine whether or not the furore over the bill continues into the coming months, or dissipates entirely.
As you know, ‘stirring up’ offences in part two of the bill are the main cause of controversy. These vague and subjective provisions are considered a threat to freedom of speech and expression. In our view, the only way to avoid undermining free speech is to withdraw these offences wholesale. The problems with them are too many and too complex to address.
Read: 10 problems with the 'stirring up' offences
Protecting free speech is not the only argument for ditching the ‘stirring up’ proposals. Crucially, the government and other proponents have not demonstrated how these specific proposals would reduce hate-related crimes, or lend greater protection to citizens. Existing laws already catch violence, harassment and abuse.
Tackling hatred and prejudice is vitally important. But the government is applying the wrong method. Ministers must withdraw the ‘stirring up’ proposals altogether and reconsider their approach. If they don’t, the row over the Hate Crime Bill will only continue.