Police Scotland will not target 'actors or comedians' for hate crimes
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Police Scotland says it is aware of "inaccurate media reporting" over training material it has in place for the country's new hate crime laws.
The force refutes claims that its officers are being told to target actors, comedians and other performers and will respect freedom of expression.
With the introduction of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, a new offence has been created for people viewed to be stirring up hatred against various protected characteristics, including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. This follows on from similar offences that came about after the Race Relations Act 1965 and subsequent legislation on tackling racial discrimination in the UK.
The statement released by Police Scotland yesterday evening (March 19) states: "We are aware of inaccurate media reporting and commentary today about the training material we have in place for the introduction of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.
"Police Scotland is not instructing officers to target actors, comedians, or any other people or groups.
"Our training package has been developed in close consultation with stakeholders to ensure all characteristics protected by legislation under the new Act are clearly represented and articulated, and that officers are best prepared when they respond to hate crimes and incidents.
"The training material was based on the Scottish Government's explanatory notes which accompany the legislation: Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 - Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk). This included examples of a range of scenarios where offences might take place, but this does not mean officers have been told to target these situations or locations.
"Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation and officers balance the protections people have under human rights legislation against other laws every day. Our training for the new Act therefore reminds officers of their human rights obligations and it reflects all aspects of the new legislation, including the protection it includes around freedom of expression."
