This bill proposed by Nicola Sturgeon will prove disastrous if allowed to go through.  Scotland is now at risk of being known as a country that punishes it's own people for freedom of speech. Any comment regarding race, religion or sexual orientation that has been deemed offensive, could be met with jail time according to this bill. While hate crime shouldn't be encouraged, forcing complete silence of opinions could in fact be more dangerous in the long run, as any stray comment could be taken as offensive.  One line in the legislation reads, "This offence could even be applied to being in possession of materials produced by someone else, where sharing the material could stir up hatred."  This shows that artistic expression wouldn't be safe.  Should all books considered offensive be confiscated? What about comedians? Plays? Will performances be allowed? Will these performances be edited to something more "appropriate". 

For Scotland's sake I ask that this bill be scrapped. As a country known for taking pride in it's land and people, this bill threatens to destroy who we are. I along with friends, family and acquaintances feel a profound level or fear for our country. Please, help to put a stop to this by signing this petition and hopefully this will help make a difference. The bill can be found at the following site. https://beta.parliament.scot/bills/hate-crime-and-public-order-scotland-bill