‘Activist Fringe’ Could Weaponise Scotland’s Hate Law, Warn Police Chiefs

Just days away from Scotland’s new hate crime law coming into force on Monday, police bosses have warned that it could be “weaponised” by an “activist fringe.” The controversial new law, which has been described as “dangerous” by free speech activists and MSPs, creates a new crime of “stirring up of hatred offences” for protected characteristics including “age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.” Police have also set up designated “Hate Crime Third Party Reporting Centres,” which include housing associations, victim support offices, voluntary groups, and private businesses such as fish farms, caravan parks, and even a sex shop in Glasgow....