Hate crime lies could result in violence

Green chief Harvie accuses opponents of gutter politics

- CHRIS McCALL

THE level of "deliberate misinformation" being shared about the new hate crime law could lead to people suffering "physical harm", a Scottish Government minister has warned.

Patrick Harvie said he was concerned the backlash against the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act which took effect last Monday-could escalate from angry posts on social media to more serious altercations.

The Scottish Greens co-leader told the Record he agreed with the First Minister that there was "a rising tide of hatred right across the world".

Harvie spoke out after the legislation prompted thousands of complaints from members of the public last week.

The Bill consolidates hate crime legislation and creates an offence of stirring up hatred against certain protected characteristics detractors have warned it could chill free speech.