Rowan Atkinson joins backlash to Scottish Hate Crime Bill

Rowan Atkinson is among the high-profile figures to have signed a letter expressing opposition to the Scottish Government’s Hate Crime Bill. He is joined by authors Christopher Brookmyre and Val McDermid, actress Elaine C Smith and playwright Alan Bissett in raising fears about freedom of expression potentially being stifled. The Bill has already faced criticism from the Scottish Police Federation, Catholic Church in Scotland and the Law Society of Scotland. Val McDermid has also signed the letter (John Linton/PA) PA / Val McDermid has also signed the letter (John Linton/PA) Legal body the Faculty of Advocates has also raised concerns over “unintended consequences” for freedom of...