Today, we have sent a letter in support of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 to the Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown MSP, and the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, Emma Roddick MSP.

The letter was signed by 14 organisations that support and represent people from different protected characteristics from across Scotland. The letter affirms that the newly introduced legislation is vital for everyone in Scotland, as everyone deserves to feel safe and free to be themselves, without the fear of prejudice or violence.

You can read the full letter here.

The full list of signatories is:

Dr. Rebecca Crowther, CEO, Equality Network

Vic Valentine, Manager, Scottish Trans

Clare Gallagher, Human Rights Officer, CEMVO Scotland

Liam Stevenson, Co-founder / Director, Time for Inclusive Education

Jordan Daly, Co-founder / Director, Time for Inclusive Education

Reverend Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches

Mhairi Snowden, Director, Human Rights Consortium Scotland

Heather Fisken, Chief Executive, Inclusion Scotland

Paul Daly, Interim Senior Policy, Participation and Research Manager, LGBT Youth Scotland

Carol Burt-Wilson, Founder / Manager, I Am Me Scotland

Denisha Killoh, Policy & Advocacy Manager, Stonewall Scotland

Hugh Torrance, Executive Director, LEAP Sports Scotland

Heidi Vistisen, Policy Manager, LEAP Sports Scotland

Revered Fiona E. Bennett, Augustine United Church

Rachel Adamson, Co-Director, Zero Tolerance

Laura Tomson, Co-Director, Zero Tolerance

Catherine Murphy, Executive Director, Engender