Scottish police officers have been issued a script to defend First Minister Humza Yousaf amidst a rise in hate crime reports following the implementation of new hate crime legislation. Yousaf, also the leader of the SNP, was criticized after a 2020 speech; critics like JK Rowling and Elon Musk raised concerns about free speech implications of his legislative actions. Over 7,000 complaints were received after the new law’s activation, but only 240 were recorded as hate crimes. Police Scotland has stated that Yousaf committed no criminal offenses in his speech.

Meanwhile, Age Scotland’s diversity manager Rohini Sharma Joshi has praised the Hate Crime and Public Order Act, noting that it provides marginalized communities with greater confidence to report hate crimes. However, Joshi suggested that these communities still need time to overcome ingrained fears.

In political news, Labour candidate Wilma Brown from Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath was suspended due to allegations of racist social media posts, including derogatory remarks about migrants and suggesting Scotland has ‘too many white people’. Scottish Labour is investigating the matter. Brown was attempting to win back the constituency once held by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Amid concerns that the hate crime law would divert police attention from serious crimes, Stewart Carle from the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents reassured that policing priorities such as violence and threats to life remain unchanged. Carle emphasized that while hate crimes are significant, resources will remain focused on preventing severe offenses.

In related news, author JK Rowling has faced backlash for her comments on transgender rights, complicating her relationships with actors from the Harry Potter series. Despite her controversial stance, police action was not taken against her under the Hate Crime Act. The debate continues to evoke strong opinions on both sides regarding transgender rights and women’s rights.