Rishi Sunak has said people should not be criminalised “for stating simple facts on biology” as he backed author JK Rowling in her criticism of new Scottish hate crime laws.
The Harry Potter author, who has become a fierce critic of the Scottish government’s stance on transgender rights, dared police to arrest her as the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into effect yesterday.
The new measures aim to tackle the harm caused by hatred and prejudice, extending protections from abusive behaviour to people on grounds including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.
Appearing to defend the author, Mr Sunak promised that his party will “always protect” free speech in a statement.
“People should not be criminalised for stating simple facts on biology,” he said.
“We believe in free speech in this country, and Conservatives will always protect it.”