Letter: Hatred is allowed

Scotland’s Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act must not be used as a Trojan horse for blasphemy laws (“Hate crime soars right across the board”, 18 May).

We cannot legislate against hating religion. Women, children, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and secular Asians are just some of the many groups with legitimate reasons for “hating” religion.

You cannot impose laws to undermine free speech and silence their angry voices. Any ideology must be open to criticism. It is not sectarian to despise organised religion, and challenge its privileges and crimes against humanity.

Garry Otton

Secular Scotland

Broughton Street

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