The Christian Institute

News Release

The Christian Institute welcomes free speech safeguard to Scots sectarianism Bill

The Christian Institute has welcomed the addition of a free speech clause to the Scottish Government’s new sectarianism legislation, but concerns remain about the Government’s ability to amend the legislation in future.

Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government has moved to protect freedom of speech and religion from its anti-sectarianism legislation. This follows a huge letter writing campaign.

“However, we remain concerned that Ministers have awarded themselves the ability to add additional grounds to the religious hatred offence at a later date.

“Such amendments would not be subjected to thorough parliamentary scrutiny. We will be watching this area closely.”

Earlier this year The Christian Institute played a pivotal role in slowing down the Scottish Government’s lightning fast timetable for the sectarianism Bill amidst concerns that it was being rushed.

The Christian Institute and CARE for Scotland launched a legal action amidst concerns that civil liberties and freedom of speech could be damaged. The Institute believes that this action resulted in the timetable being extended to six months.