Humza Yousaf, the far-left first minister of Scotland, has attempted to brand the outpouring of opposition against his government’s new draconian speech restrictions as being concocted by the “right wing”.
On Monday, the controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into force, criminalising offensive statements — even those made in the privacy of one’s home — or “stirring up hatred” against a range of protected groups for characteristics including age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity. Those falling foul of the new law face up to seven years in prison even if it was found that it was not their intent to stir up hatred, but merely if it is believed it could be the result of their comments. The anti-free speech law has drawn widespread criticism, including from law enforcement officials in Scotland, as well as from prominent figures such as author and Scottish resident J.K