Scotland hate crime bill set to pass despite row over exclusion of women
by Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent from on (#5F744)
Final vote due on Thursday after move to add sex to list of protected characteristics is turned down
Scotland's controversial hate crime bill is set to pass later on Thursday amid anger about its current exclusion of women and assurances that the legislation will not criminalise those whose views are considered by some to be transphobic.
Leading the final debate in the Scottish parliament on Thursday, Scotland's justice secretary, Humza Yousaf, assured MSPs that the legislation balanced protections for victims of hate crime with safeguarding freedom of expression, stating that the rigorous consideration of the bill had shown the very best of parliament".
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