Furious Tory MSP threatens to sue police over ‘hate incident’ tweet row | Politics | News | EUROtoday

A Tory MSP has threatened to sue Police Scotland after a tweet criticising the Scottish Government’s gender coverage was recorded as a “hate incident”.

Murdo Fraser was reported to the pressure following the submit on X in November evaluating non-binary individuals to those that establish as cats.

The tweet was deemed to not have amounted to against the law however stays on document as a “hate incident”.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, supported by the Free Speech Union, is now threatening authorized motion to have the document deleted and for the pressure to vary its hate crime coverage.

It comes forward of the SNP Government’s controversial new hate crime laws which comes into pressure on April 1.

Mr Fraser stated: “These are serious and timely matters. Scotland’s new hate crime law comes into force in a few days’ time – on April Fool’s Day, appropriately enough.

“What we are likely to see is the police being deluged with hundreds, if not thousands, of spurious and vexatious complaints.

“If they record all these as hate incidents, based entirely on the perception of the complainer, they are likely to be recording many more hate incidents unlawfully and acting against the law.”

He added: “I believe that Scotland needs to be a country where free speech and freedom of political expression is protected.”

Mr Murdo accused police of breaching the Data Protection Act, the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act.

It comes days earlier than the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act takes impact on April 1.

Critics have warned of the impression of the laws on free speech north of the border.

But Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has insisted there are adequate protections within the regulation.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland stated: “On Monday November 20 2023, officers received a report of an offensive tweet. Inquiries were carried out and no criminality was established.

“The incident was recorded as a non-crime, hate incident.

“Police Scotland have received a complaint relating to this matter which has been passed to the Professional Standards Department for assessment.

“Hate incidents usually are not recorded towards alleged perpetrators.

“Recording is victim-focused and the process has been part of policing for many years. It helps us monitor tensions within communities enabling appropriate police responses and helps to build community confidence.

“Seemingly low stage or minor occasions can have a big impression on somebody who might already be very susceptible.”