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Thread:If the Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order bill is passed, an actor can be prosecuted for playing a character with bigoted views.
A script containing language that is "likely to stir up hatred" can see charges be brought, regardless of intent.
We've been hearing from people involved in the acting and legal industry that this is causing huge amounts of concern for free speech, creativity and highlighting societal issues.
Those we spoke to in the theatre sector didn't know about the bill until we asked them about it.
Those we spoke to in the theatre sector didn't know about the bill until we asked them about it.
They are now desperate for the Scottish Government to provide clarity on what they say is a massive "grey area" for what exactly is "likely" to stir up hatred as part of a performance.
We spoke to an actor, lecturer and coach to understand how this will impact their lives.
We spoke to an actor, lecturer and coach to understand how this will impact their lives.
Chris McCann is an actor who runs his own company @whodunnitevents
He's struggling to get his head around the idea of an actor being held responsible for playing a character with totally different views and opinions.
He's also concerned about how little is known about the bill.
He's struggling to get his head around the idea of an actor being held responsible for playing a character with totally different views and opinions.
He's also concerned about how little is known about the bill.
Mark Westbrook - @actingcoachmark - is a successful acting coach who has worked with Oscar and Bafta winners.
He wants to know where the line is drawn for allegedly "inciting hatred" in a play.
He says being able to cause offence is an important part of drama and comedy.
He wants to know where the line is drawn for allegedly "inciting hatred" in a play.
He says being able to cause offence is an important part of drama and comedy.
Dr Michael Bachmann is a theatre lecturer at @UofGlasgow.
His main concern is the context in which a performance is done, but thinks the question of what is "likely" to stir up hatred, on matters like race, homophobia and sectarianism, is difficult to answer.
His main concern is the context in which a performance is done, but thinks the question of what is "likely" to stir up hatred, on matters like race, homophobia and sectarianism, is difficult to answer.
Laura Sharp is a member of the Law Society of Scotland.
She's telling us the "lack of clarity" in the bill will threaten freedom of expression.
She also says the way the acting and entertainment industry has been treated in the bill is a "step too far".
She's telling us the "lack of clarity" in the bill will threaten freedom of expression.
She also says the way the acting and entertainment industry has been treated in the bill is a "step too far".
Everyone agreed that efforts to protect minority groups in society are important.
But, the question of what is "likely to stir up hatred" in a play or performance, and potentially leaving an actor with a criminal record for playing a certain role, is causing huge concern.
But, the question of what is "likely to stir up hatred" in a play or performance, and potentially leaving an actor with a criminal record for playing a certain role, is causing huge concern.
Justice secretary @HumzaYousaf has said he will listen to widespread concerns about the proposals, and opposition parties are pushing for amendments to it.
Author @valmcdermid has said: "The right to critique ideas, philosophical, religious and other must be protected."
Author @valmcdermid has said: "The right to critique ideas, philosophical, religious and other must be protected."
