Rowan Atkinson is one of the names to have signed a joint letter criticising the Scottish Government's proposed Hate Crime Bill.
There are fears that it could have consequences for freedom of artistic expression.
As well as the Blackadder star, more than 20 prominent names have asked for changes to be made to the new legislation. They include crime writers Val McDermid and Christopher Brookmyre, actor Elaine C Smith and playwright Alan Bissett, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and philosopher A C Grayling,
The letter, co-ordinated by the Humanist Society Scotland, adds that the “well-meaning Bill” could result in “stifling free expression”.
Among other things it says: “The bill creates stirring up offences without any intent being examined; merely that the words, action, or artwork might do so. This offence could even be applied to being in possession of materials produced by someone else, where sharing the material could stir up hatred.
“The unintended consequences of this well meaning bill risk stifling freedom of expression, and the ability to articulate or criticise religious and other beliefs.”
Scottish MPs are due to vote on the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill later this year.
Picture: BBC
