Scotland Passes Hate Crime Law Amid Free Speech Concerns

A Scottish flag flies next to British Union Jack flag outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, on April 24, 2019. Russell Cheyne/Reuters

The Scottish Parliament has passed a controversial bill on so-called hate crimes despite concerns about its impact on freedom of speech.

The bill was passed on Thursday by 82 votes to 32. It was supported by the Scottish National Party (SNP), Labour, and the Liberal Democrats. Only the Scottish Conservatives voted against it.