Police up ante on 'hate speech'

‘Offensive’ shows could be classed as illegal by the courts

- STEVE WATSON

POLICE in Scotland are being trained to target actors and comedians under new hate crime laws set to be activated next month.

The news was revealed by The Herald daily newspaper, citing leaked police documents. Training material obtained by the outlet states that content deemed to be ‘threatening and abusive’ under the Hate Crime and Public Order Act can be communicated ‘through public performance of a play.’

A slide from the leaked training material, titled 'Stirring up hatred', also lists 'protected' characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.