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. Scotland’s regional government, led by the SNP, hailed it as a piece of “powerful legislation” that is “for the 21st century.” “Through the passing of this landmark Bill, Parliament has sent a strong and clear message to victims, perpetrators, communities and to wider society that offences motivated by prejudice will be treated seriously and will not be tolerated,” said Humza Yousaf, justice secretary for the Scottish government. But the Scottish Conservatives called the bill “a serious threat to freedom of speech.” The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in April …