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In the Media

Articles That Mention the Free Speech Union

JK Rowling for Oxford Chancellorship, says Free Speech Union founder

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The Oxford Chancellorship race is still on, but some candidates have been ruled out much to the dismay of some alumni. Since we speculated who could take on the mantle, the University introduced new regulations on how to elect a chancellor that come into effect today. Oxford alum and founder of Free Speech Union Toby Young criticised the new rules, which include the introduction of a committee. In retaliation, he says he may propose Harry Potter author JK Rowling for the position.

Lara Olszowska, The Standard, 6th April 2024.

Preparing for the worst

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Verdi Wilson, who works in the violence against women sector, told me: My plan is to continue as before, as I have never said anything motivated by “hate”. But I expect vexatious complaints and have deleted all my chats and messages to ensure other women’s safety if the police decide I need to be taught a lesson. It is very sad that women I know are now going back to being anonymous on social media as they are worried about their livelihood. The threat of having a non-hate crime incident against you is frightening if you need a disclosure for work, it could seriously impact your future. The example of Murdo Fraser is terrifying. I’ve joined the Free Speech Union for some protection, because expecting decency, protection, and common sense from the police is not something that can be trusted these days.

Shonagh Dillon, The Critic, 6th April 2024.

Levy & McRae and Free Speech Union to tackle hate crime cases

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The Free Speech Union (FSU), a UK-wide organisation, has signed a deal with Levy & McRae to deal with cases arising from the controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021. A new hotline is also being launched by the FSU for anyone who has been arrested or contacted by the police in relation to the Act. Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: “Almost 1,000 new Scottish members have joined in the past fortnight, most of them women.

Scottish Legal News, 5th April 2024.

The Left needs to learn to love Toby Young

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I joined the Free Speech Union today. Previously filed in my mental “to do” list, I was finally forced out of my lethargy by the fuss over Scotland’s new Hate Crime Act and the impressive defiance shown by JK Rowling and others in the face of a state that has taken upon itself rather too much of a say in what we say, do and think. o I duly signed up and paid my subscription, becoming keenly aware as I did so that here was yet another action that takes me further away from my old party, both politically and culturally.

Tom Harris, The Telegraph, 5th April 2024.

Hotline launched for Scots who fall foul of Humza Yousaf’s hate crime laws where they can access free legal advice

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Scots who fall foul of Humza Yousaf’s hate crime laws can now access free legal advice thanks to a hotline set up by the Free Speech Union. The campaign group has been outspoken about the new legislation in Scotland due to fears it criminalises opinions and can lead to arrests even if comments are made in the family home. Now, it has launched a phone line which members can utilise if they are questioned or contacted by cops in relation to an alleged hate crime. It said that hundreds of new members had joined in recent weeks due to concerns about the laws in Scotland. The Free Speech Union has also signed a deal with the legal firm Levy & McRae to fund representation in any free speech cases arising from the legislation. This was the same lawyers who helped Joanna Cherry when her Edinburgh Fringe show got axed by the Stand before being reinstated.

David Walker, Scottish Daily Express, 5th April 2024.

Now free speech hotline is set up amid row over Scottish hate crime laws – as JK Rowling blasts ‘illiberal’ Humza Yousaf after he called her trans tweets ‘upsetting and offensive’

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The Free Speech Union (FSU), led by social commentator Toby Young, says it has acquired an additional 1,000 new Scottish members in the last week following the enactment of the new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act on April 1. It has signed a deal with legal firm Levy & McRae that will see the FSU fund them to represent free speech cases arising from the new legislation, which outlaws ‘stirring up’ hate based on race, age, religion, disability and transgender identity.

Jon Brady, Daily Mail, 5th April 2024.

Free speech hotline launched in response to hate crime law

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The Free Speech Union is launching a hotline for anyone arrested or contacted by the police under Scotland’s hate crime law. The group, which campaigns for freedom of speech, said it had attracted 1,000 new Scottish members in recent weeks as the row over the new law intensifies. The organisation has also signed a deal with the legal firm Levy & McRae to fund them to represent any free speech cases arising from the new legislation.

John Boothman, The Times, 4th April 2024.

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