Scottish Justice Secretary Supports New Law After 240 Hate Crimes Reported in First Week
Police reported receiving over 7,000 online hate reports in the first seven days after Scotland’s controversial hate crime law was implemented.
Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance has defended the hate crime law, pointing to 240 recorded hate crimes in the first week as evidence of its necessity to protect marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Police Scotland released their initial data update on Wednesday, revealing over 7,000 hate crime reports since the law came into effect.
The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, enacted on April 1, led to a surge in claims, with 7,152 hate reports made online.
Additionally, during this period, 240 hate crimes and 30 non-crime hate incidents were recorded.
The new law introduces a new offense for “stirring up hatred” based on protected characteristics like age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.
Police have established designated “Hate Crime Third Party Reporting Centers” in various locations.
Legislation is Required
Justice Secretary Angela Constance welcomed the recording of 240 hate crimes, stating that it demonstrates the law’s necessity to protect those most at risk of racial hatred and prejudice.
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According to a police spokesperson, the surge in online hate reports since April 1 is being managed with minimal disruption to frontline policing.
Concerns have been raised about the new law’s potential impact on free speech and individual privacy by various groups and lawmakers.
Police Cuts
The Scottish Police Federation’s general secretary warned about the consequences of further reductions in officer numbers.
Since the establishment of Police Scotland in April 2013, officer numbers have decreased, leading to concerns about an increase in organized crime and extremism due to fewer resources available for policing.
Despite the increase in hate crime reports, Police Scotland stated that their contact centers continue to manage the workload effectively without affecting frontline policing.
PA Media contributed to this report.
