Absolute baloney.

Opposing ScotGovt policy, including GRA reforms, is not going to become a criminal offence. Just don't behave in a threatening or abusive manner that will stir up hatred - this should be a statement beyond contention! https://twitter.com/GlasgowMake/status/1255891354972033028

Alot has been said about the use of the word 'insulting' in the Bill. This is simply *retained* for racial hatred as it has been since 1986. For all other protected characteristics where a new offence is being created 'insulting' is *not* part of the legal threshold

Importantly all statutory aggravators are being retained, only addition is age.

Freedom of expression clauses are also in the Bill.

A working group will consider a 'sex aggravator' (wording as per Equality Act) & also potential to legislate for a stand alone offence of misogyny

As per my general approach to legislation, I will seek as much compromise on the Bill as possible, without fundamentally weakening the protections needed for minority and vulnerable groups. If ever those protections were needed it is now.

Inciting hatred is a common legal test applied by the courts (see what I have said about the 1986 act). It is not the case that somebody is offended and therefore decides you are stirring up hatred, inciting hatred is a legal threshold