Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 09 September 2020
I thank Liam Kerr and the Conservatives for lodging the motion, because it is always important that we talk about how we intend collectively to tackle hate crime.
Even though I know there will be disagreements around the bill, its interpretation, what it seeks to do and its possible unintended consequences, I do not doubt for one second the sincerity of every member—those I know well and have dealt with and those I do not know so well—in their desire to tackle hate crime. We have demonstrated time and again in this Parliament that we stand united as one against that pernicious crime.
The Scottish Government will work tirelessly to engage with colleagues across the chamber, external stakeholders and anyone else who wishes to contribute to the bill and the debate, and, if necessary, we will amend and improve it. What we cannot do—I am not suggesting that anyone is doing this—is be complacent about the nature of the challenge. In 2017-18, more than 5,600 hate crimes were reported to the Crown Office and almost 7,008 hate crimes were reported to Police Scotland—I emphasise the word “reported” because, as all of us recognise, hate crime is not always reported to the police, often out of fear. Being a victim of hate crime is undoubtedly a dreadful experience for anyone.
Let me again reflect on the fact that it was less than three months ago that this Parliament came together to debate the Black Lives Matter movement, to speak in solidarity and to rededicate ourselves to taking a stand against hatred.
Although legislation in itself is not enough to build the inclusive and equal society that Scotland aspires to, hate crime legislation is a vital component of that society. In particular, it makes it clear to victims, perpetrators, communities and wider society that offences that are motivated by prejudice will not be tolerated.
The need for modernised legislation has only become more apparent as social media has continued to permeate our daily lives. The internet has brought with it challenges that we did not have in the past, by providing a platform for people who wish to share hateful abuse. I am not talking only about unsettling words, although, of course, words can have an impact. Members will be aware that, as Liam Kerr noted in his opening remarks, I have received hateful abuse throughout my life, and particularly during my political career. Most recently, that abuse took the form not just of harmful words but of threats to me and my family—threats to fire bomb my house, to stab me and to kick me in the face until I bled—all because of the colour of my skin. I am afforded protection in law from people stirring up hatred against me due to the colour of my skin—my race. Should the same protection not be afforded to other people due to protected characteristics? Should someone who is disabled, gay or Jewish not be afforded the same protection in law and have the law recognise an offence of stirring up hatred against them in the same way as I am protected?