It’s not just Scots whose free speech is under threat

Earlier this week, the authoritarian Hate Crime Act came into effect in Scotland. Anyone caught ‘stirring up hatred’ against people with certain protected characteristics – including ‘transgender identity’ – can now face up to seven years in prison.

The vague and subjective wording of the law has led many to fear that it could criminalise the social-media activity of gender-critical activists. Most notably, Harry Potter author turned gender-critical campaigner JK Rowling. Indeed, to point out the absurdity of the new Hate Crime Act, on Monday, she posted a lengthy thread on X describing a host of well-known trans figures – from broadcaster India Willoughby to convicted rapist Isla Bryson – as men. She then dared Police Scotland to arrest her for the ‘crime’ of misgendering these so-called transwomen.

Among the many applauding Rowling for standing up to the Hate Crime Act was UK prime minister Rishi Sunak. Defending her, he declared that ‘people should not be criminalised for stating simple facts on biology’ and that his Conservative Party ‘will always protect’ free speech.

But before we hail Rishi Sunak as some kind of free-speech hero, it’s worth remembering that the rest of the UK is hardly a haven for free thought and expression. Outside of Scotland, we have our fair share of onerous ‘hate speech’ laws. Just recently, far-right activist Sam Melia was sentenced to two years in prison for producing and distributing unsavoury stickers. Christian street preachers are regularly arrested and charged for publicly proclaiming their beliefs. What’s more, perhaps someone should tell Sunak that ‘stating simple facts on biology’ can also get you in trouble on this side of Hadrian’s Wall. Gender-critical feminists like Kellie-Jay Keen are routinely harassed by police for opposing trans ideology. Although feminists are rarely convicted, the process is, in many ways, the punishment.

Read here