scotland is now a safe space for everyone - except those who speak their mind.
The Bill which consolidates previous hate crime laws and adds new offences of “stirring up” hatred against protected characteristics of religion, age, disability and transgender identity, was passed with 82 votes in support, 32 against and four abstentions.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, said the debate had seen “parliament at its best” and as a result the new law “protects the most vulnerable in our society”.
He also recalled the first time he was made aware of the colour of his skin, when he was just six-years-old. “In primary two, my best friend said to me one day, completely out the blue, “I can’t be your friend anymore”. I remember being stunned and asked why and he said “because you’re a Paki”.
“I didn’t understand what had happened. I went home and asked my mum if I was a Paki? She was visibly upset and said very rude people sometimes make fun of us for the colour of our skin, but I had done nothing wrong.
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/hate-crime-bill-passes-as-humza-yousaf-tells-of-first-experience-of-racism-3163176