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last yr.

Scotland's New Hate Crime Law Faces Criticism and Low Enforcement Rates

Only two out of over 7,000 reported hate crimes are being pursued under Scotland's new legislation, highlighting significant enforcement challenges and criticism from legal figures.

Overview

  • Scotland's new Hate Crime and Public Order Act has led to a flood of reports, with over 7,000 in the first week, but only two cases are actively pursued.
  • Critics argue the law has burdened police with unnecessary work and could potentially threaten free speech.
  • First Minister Humza Yousaf defends the law, blaming 'bad faith actors' for vexatious complaints aimed at overwhelming police.
  • The number of hate crime reports dropped by 75% in the second week of the legislation's enforcement.
  • Senior legal figures and the Scottish Tories are pushing for a review or repeal of the legislation, citing its impracticality and misleading public messaging.