Around 300 protesters convened outside the Scottish Parliament to voice opposition against the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, citing concerns over potential threats to free speech. Demonstrators, among them members of various interest groups, displayed signs with messages like “Truth is not hate speech,” and expressed worries that the legislation might blur the lines between hate speech and merely offensive speech thereby impacting discussions on gender, women’s rights, and freedom of expression overall.

Key figures such as Mark Leslie, Sally Wainwright from Scottish Lesbians, and Nick Mitchell criticized the law for stifling open dialogue and hinted at a readiness to legally challenge its provisions. The Scottish Family Party, which organized the event, highlighted their concerns through a symbolic funeral for free speech.

In a related development, author JK Rowling received backing from Chancellor Rishi Sunak in her criticism of the laws. Rowling, previously vocal about her stance on transgender rights, fears the legislation could silence debates on women’s rights and single-sex spaces, to the extent of inviting authorities to arrest her under the new law. Sunak supported Rowling’s concerns, stressing the importance of safeguarding freedom of speech and arguing against criminalizing statements of biological facts.

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs defended the legislation, asserting its purpose to combat hate while ensuring Police Scotland’s preparedness to enforce it effectively and sensitively. The Act, having recently come into effect, has sparked debate about its ramifications on free speech and its effectiveness in addressing hate without infringing on individual rights.