Scotland's New Hate Crime Law Faces Backlash and Calls for Repeal

The controversial legislation, criticized for excluding women and overwhelming police with complaints, has ignited a heated debate across Scotland.

Former SNP minister Jeane Freeman criticizes the government's handling of the hate crime law, highlighting its exclusion of women and the public's confusion over its scope.
Police Scotland receives 8,000 hate crime complaints in the first week of the law's enforcement, as public support wanes with only 21% of Scots in favor of retaining it.
Critics argue the law's ambiguity could stifle freedom of speech, with concerns over its implementation and impact on police resources.
Scotland's LGBTQ+ community and victim support organizations welcome the law, emphasizing its role in building safer communities free from hatred.
Former first minister Jack McConnell labels the legislation 'unworkable', citing it as divisive and potentially failing due to its exclusion of crimes against women.