New, controversial hate crime laws will go into effect April 1 in Scotland. The purpose of the laws is to better protect people from hateful speech, including online, but critics of the laws say it infringes on freedom of expression.
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The law will criminalize threatening or abusive behavior which is intended to stir up hate against someone because of their age, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.
The hate crime can be verbal, physical or in a digital space, meaning hate speech online will become a criminal offense.
Scottish authorities have pledged the hate crime laws will be enforced to the fullest extent. Police said they will investigate every complaint they receive.
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