The Scottish government is struggling to find way of protecting free speech in a disgraceful blasphemy/hate crimes bill. An amendment was recently proposed to tone down the destruction of free speech The Scottish government is now seeking
further suggestions. Earlier this week the Scottish parliament's Justice Committee approved several amendments to the bill, one of which would provide greater protection for freedom of expression on religion. But these proposals seem to have
stalled due to parliamentary/party resistance. Now the committee issued a call for views on four new options for freedom of expression protections, which have been proposed by the justice secretary who clearly has little interest in free speech.
Only two of the options contain the agreed amendment on free speech on religion. The other two substantially dilute protection for freedom of expression on religion in comparison. The committee has requested that views on the proposals be submitted
by 10:00 this coming Monday (22 February). The original amendment proposed that a conviction for stirring up hatred on religious grounds would require the prosecution to demonstrate that the accused had behaved in a manner which is threatening or
abusive and intended to stir up hatred. One of the new amendments would have provided greater protection to expressions of antipathy, ridicule, dislike or insult of religion or belief. But two of the four options now proposed only say
behaviour would not reach the threshold for prosecution solely on the basis that it involves or includes discussion or criticism of religion. National Secular Society chief executive Stephen Evans said the Scottish government's position was
perplexing and farcical. He commented: The level of protection for freedom of expression on religion in this bill appeared settled. The agreed amendment was a significant step in the right direction and the Scottish
government shouldn't be reopening this. This episode simply reinforces legitimate concerns that the bill will unacceptably intrude on freedom of speech. With this in mind, and amid a deeply confused and rushed process, MSPs should
press pause on the relevant section of this bill.
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