It Sounds Like Scotland Is In The Business Of Criminalizing Free Speech

It’s easy to forget how blessed we are. We get caught up in our daily routines. It happens, but I think it’s really important to stop and remember how blessed we are to live in America– the most exceptional country in the history of the world. A lot of us take our freedom for granted– I know I’m guilty of that. Sometimes I stop and think about how I wouldn’t even be allowed to do this job in other countries. Speaking ill of the government? Calling out corrupt officials? Discussing cultural rot? Mocking idiot celebrities?

That wouldn’t be tolerated in a lot of places. God bless America. I get chills just thinking about it. We’re so blessed. There’s no where else I’d rather live. Here’s another reason why. Check this out.

Today we are launching a campaign on #HateCrime. Be #GreaterThanAHater and report any incidents of hate crime by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/A7GaxKSS87

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) March 16, 2018

The police over there want everyone to know that they will NOT TOLERATE “hate crimes.” For starters, I hate the term “hate crimes.” If you murder my dog because I’m a white girl and you hate white girls, or you murder my dog just because you’re angry for no apparent reason, what do I care? YOU MURDERED MY DOG. The crime is the same.

But the Official Police of Scotland are very serious about this “hate crime” business.

Did you know on average 6,000 people per year become a victim of #HateCrime? We will not tolerate any incidents of hate. Be #GreaterThanAHater pic.twitter.com/XUbdxIDiDD

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) March 16, 2018

We do not tolerate attempts to target any community by any misguided individual or group and we will work with all our partners to resolve any issues. Be #GreaterThanAHater and report it by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/3DOUvDVlH7

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) March 16, 2018

This is pretty vague. What constitutes a “hate crime,” exactly?

“There is no place for hate crime in Scotland” – @TACCGMacDonald #GreaterThanAHater pic.twitter.com/HjjUUWt2fa

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) March 19, 2018

🔸Disability
🔸Race/ethnicity
🔸Religion/belief
🔸Sexual orientation
🔸Transgender identity

These are all protected characteristics against hate crime. Targeting someone because you think they are different to you is a crime! Be #GreaterThanAHater and fight hate crime. pic.twitter.com/8iUadTvLAw

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) March 21, 2018

OK– these examples are really concerning. Is it a “hate crime” to tell a crystagender that their “gender” isn’t A Thing? Is it a “hate crime” to say that Caitlyn Jenner is still a biological man? Is it a “hate crime” to say that Islam isn’t a religion of peace? “Picking on” someone can be considered a “hate crime” now? Are they serious?

You may think online you are anonymous, you can create fake profiles and
no-one can trace you. That’s wrong! The messages you type and send can be traced back to you.

The same laws apply to online messages, images and videos. What you post now can affect you later in life.

— Police Scotland (@policescotland) March 21, 2018

Under their outline, speaking the TRUTH to someone who doesn’t want to hear it would be considered a “hate crime,” no? Does that mean I’d get in trouble for DOING THIS VERY JOB in Scotland? Yep. Probably. Risky business. You can’t say things that hurt people’s feeeeeeeeeeeeeeelings, even if it’s the truth. Please keep your thoughts to yourself, you hatey hateful hater.

@jordanbpeterson This is how police Scotland intimidate people using the threat of hate speech laws.

— Adrian Howard 13/11 (@adrianh1311) March 21, 2018

I find this tweet highly offensive. To whom do I complain?

— Andrew J. Riley GB (@AndrewRileyUK) March 21, 2018

Do you not see that the subjective nature of hate “crime” is going to lead the the end of free speech in this country? There should be no law against being offended. Without causing offence, how do you challenge bad ideas?

— Steve Russ (@RussStevejruss) March 21, 2018

Proud to be an American.

— Chuck Vipperman (@ChuckVipperman) March 21, 2018

Is this a joke? Oh wait…….you’re not allowed to have joke anymore.

— The Badger (@badgermorton75) March 21, 2018

Only classic knock-knock jokes, please. Those should be safe.

I’m a gay Jew and I am grateful every day that I live in a free country that doesn’t criminalize thought, words or how people feel about things. https://t.co/BibUE9W36x

— Chad Felix Greene (@chadfelixg) March 21, 2018

I’m so glad America separated from Great Britain

— Jake Porter (@jakeaporter) March 21, 2018

I’m thankful my ancestors left Scotland many centuries ago. How sad and pathetic it’s become

— Marcus T. Cicero (@cedantarmatog1) March 21, 2018

TWITTER Can you take this gif down as its become a farce. pic.twitter.com/1esCkcP4UI

— R.T. Jones (@RottenToesJones) March 21, 2018

Watch out guys. The speech police are getting SERIOUS in Scotland. You can get in trouble for offending someone now.

Soft tyranny. This is how it begins.