If passed, the SNP government’s proposed Hate Crime and Public Order Bill will mark a profound change in Scottish culture. Never before have Scots been required to police themselves — their books, jokes, every throwaway comment — and those of their neighbours, for words “likely” (even if not intended) to “stir up hatred”. Viewed in the context of our government’s admiration for Nordic culture, this authoritarian politicking makes sense. Our Scandinavian neighbours implement progressive politics with a much firmer hand than has been the case here, and expect a more uniform point of view from their citizens in response. To take one example: in Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, medics do not have a conscience

Source: The Times August 10, 2020 23:03 UTC