Scotland’s much-criticised hate crimes bill – which could have made parts of the Bible illegal – has been amended, but serious concerns remain. Christian and secular groups alike all feared the bill would attack free speech. Concessions have been made by the Scottish government, but free speech campaigners still want more to be done.…
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Opposition to the controversial hate crime bill has grown in recent weeks, with comedian John Cleese voicing his strong objections. The bill, as currently drafted, could outlaw any content that someone finds offensive. Atheist groups have already said they would use the proposed laws to monitor the content of sermons, evangelism, and the Bible.…
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An atheist has written to a newspaper saying he welcomes Scotland’s proposed Hate Crimes Bill because he will be able to monitor all holy books and sermons and report any ‘hatred’ to the police. The letter, by Ian Stewart, Convener of Atheist Scotland, stated, ‘Atheists see some merit in Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf’s Hate…
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Churches in Scotland have been told they should not have more than 50 worshippers in their services because of the Covid-19 crisis, but the limit is not legally binding. The Scottish government’s guidance may change, but that is the latest situation at the time this edition of ET went to print. The Scottish government…
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Concerns are being raised about a new far-reaching Hate Crimes and Public Order Bill being proposed in Scotland. One journalist writing in The Spectator asks whether possession of the Bible could become a criminal offence. The proposed legislation would make it a crime to possess ‘inflammatory’ material, or communicate ‘insulting’ material to another person.…
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The Scottish government changed its mind last month to allow churches to reopen after the Covid-19 lockdown. Initially, Nicola Sturgeon’s government was going to force churches to remain closed for longer, even though pubs and restaurants were allowed to reopen. But following a huge backlash from churchgoers across the country the government in Edinburgh…
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The Scottish Government has come under increasing pressure to modify its Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill, with critics warning it can be weaponised to destroy free speech. The bill seeks to extend the current laws on ‘hate crimes’ against particular characteristics, including religion, race, sexual orientation, and transgender identity. Ciarán Kelly, deputy…
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