The Scottish Parliament has passed a new hate crimes bill which, although improved, still poses a great risk to freedom of expression. SNP veteran Jim Sillars called it ‘one of the most pernicious and dangerous pieces of legislation ever produced’. Although some free speech protections were added to the law, he said the ‘badly…
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A legal action brought by a group of 27 church leaders arguing against the forced closure of places of worship has been heard by the Court of Session. The group claims that Scottish government ministers acted outwith their powers when ordering the closure of churches under emergency legislation. Gathered church worship has been banned…
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Scotland’s controversial new hate crimes bill has been passed by a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. Free speech campaigners say although the bill has been improved, it still presents a real danger to freedom of expression. When the bill was first introduced, atheists said they would use the new laws to ban…
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A judge has granted permission for a group of 27 church leaders to challenge the Scottish government’s ban on gathered worship. Ruling that the case has merit, a hearing has been ordered to take place remotely on 11 and 12 March. It could result in churches being allowed to reopen. Supported by the Christian…
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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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