Scotland police have responded to public outcry after leaked documents revealed training instructions they received on how to enforce a new hate crime law that will come into effect next month.
The Herald revealed leaked materials earlier this week, showing officers being given training instructions on how to combat hate crimes, including monitoring posts made online.
The training relates to new hate crime legislation that comes into effect on April 1.
Critics have interpreted the instructions as the end of comedy and free speech in the country — as well as the arbitrary nature of determining what constitutes hate.
Starting next month, an individual in Scotland who “stirs up hatred” or behaves in a “threatening and abusive” manner against a group of people could receive up to seven years in prison.
According to the new law, these groups can relate to “age; disability; religion or, in the case of a social or cultural group, perceived religious affiliation; sexual orientation; transgender identity; and variations in sex characteristics.”
The Scottish Police have since responded to public outcry over the leaks, as media reported that the new law will entail comedians who make edgy jokes get monitored and potentially charged.
Police told the Herald they are “not instructing officers to target actors, comedians, or any other people or groups.”
Diversity staff inspire new law
Scottish police further said the training was developed “in close consultation with diversity staff associations.”
The leaked training information states officers should monitor social media posts which include retweets, emails, online streaming, and videos.
Additionally, any individual who forwards material that originates from a third party such as “magazine publications or leaflets,” is equally responsible for an offense, should it be deemed in violation of the stricter hate crime legislation.
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