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MyEDC

    Technical Notes 2024, Issue 148 - Hate Crime & Public Order (Scotland) Act

    • Report by:

      Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal & Regulatory Services

    • TN Number:

      148-24

    • Subject:

      Hate Crime & Public Order (Scotland) Act

    • Responsible Officer:

      Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer

    • Publication:

      This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

    Section

    1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to alert Members to a new briefing note on the above legislation.  
       
    2. Members will be aware that the Hate Crime & Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 1st April 2024. The commencement of the Act generated significant publicity and commentary, much of which suggested a degree of confusion as to what constitutes an offence under the Act.
       
    3. The Improvement Service has developed a Briefing Note for elected members which describes the scope of the legislation and how it might apply to Members in their dealings and in relation to social media.
       
    4. A copy of the Briefing Note is attached.  If Members have any questions, please contact Karen Donnelly.

    Documents