Addressing the pain brought on by bigotry and intolerance is the goal of the new rules. Opponents of the regulations contend that they could be a tool for dispute resolution and that they could stifle free speech.
The goal of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act is to give victims and communities more protection. It went into effect on Monday, April 1.
It creates new offenses for threatening or abusive behavior meant to incite hatred based on biases against traits like age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity, in addition to consolidating existing laws.
The independent assessment of hate crime laws conducted by Lord Bracadale led to the development of the new rules, since it was determined that further specific offenses related to inciting hatred were necessary.
A majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament approved the proposal in 2021.
Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling have both openly criticized the act, claiming it restricts free speech.
Advocates of the new laws assert that they will increase tolerance in Scotland.
The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) issued a warning last week to the criminal justice committee of Holyrood that the law might be “weaponized” by someone from the “activist fringe” on both sides of the political aisle.
