express.co.uk
83%
955
Rowan Atkinson: Mr Bean actor gets behind backlash against SNP's new hate crime laws
Rowan Atkinson, 65, has signed a letter alongside actress Elaine C Smith and writers Chris Brookmyre and Val McDermid against the SNP’s Hate Crime and Public Order Bill.The group has concerns about its impact in relation to “stirring up hatred”, which could see those who express divisive views spend up to seven years in prison.Mr Yousaf has defended the act as an “important milestone” in the fight against prejudice.In a letter composed by the Humanist Society Scotland, they explained: “The Bill creates stirring up offences without any intent being examined; merely that words, action, or artwork might do so.“This offence could even be applied to being in possession of materials produced by someone else, where sharing the material could stir
