Hey @HumzaYousaf , I couldn't help but notice that you are pushing for yet more laws that restrict a persons right to free speech, I have a few questions about it, hope you will answer. https://news.gov.scot/news/hate-crime-bill

1. You are looking to introduce legislation that makes misogyny illegal, if we go by the definition below, does this mean that if someone simply says "I hate women" or discusses their contempt for women, are these non-violent opinions now illegal to express?

2. You claim this legislation is in the name of equality, then why was Misandry, removed from the bill? If you acknowledge that being bigoted towards a gender is an illegal act, then why is the act permissable to another gender? Can you explain how that is "equality"?

3. "Stirring up hatred" is something that you say should be illegal against people on your list of protected characteristics, this primarily would be in 'non-incitement to violence' speech, just mere opinions. Is it now illegal to hold and discuss such opinions?

e.g. If a person is not inciting violence, not encouraging violence, but just does not like X group, and voices that opinion, is that now an arrestable offence? Also why is it only particular groups and not ALL groups? If it is only certain groups, again, how is that equality?

4. Is this legislation, being falsely marketed as "equality" really worth removing the human right of freedom of speech? Why does the SNP seek to breach Art10 of the ECHR to pass legislation saying it is in the name of "equality" when it demonstrably isn't?

5. Do you recognize that freedom of speech is a human right that should be protected at all costs as human rights are extremely vital to a society if it wishes to be considered a "free society". Shouldn't a government be pro-free speech and freedom of expression, even if...

Some people use that right to say things that may upset people? Do you support the SNP breaching human rights? Has the SNP ever done anything, or does the SNP plan to do anything, to protect the absolutely essential human right to free speech?

I look forward to your answers.