© HOCH ZWEI/ Global Look Press/ file photoRowan Atkinson is being attacked for defending free speech.
The British comedy legend was among a group of authors, journalists, philosophers and campaigners who signed an open letter against legislation put forward by the Scottish Nationalist Party, warning of the "unintended consequences" the bill could have.
The signees raised specific concern over provisions around making "stirring up hatred" an offence, even if it was not the intention of the person making the comments.
"The Bill creates stirring up offences without any intent being examined; merely that the words, action, or artwork might do so. This offence could even be applied to being in possession of materials produced by someone else, where sharing the material could stir up hatred," the letter states.
The unintended consequences of this well meaning Bill risk stifling freedom of expression, and the ability to articulate or criticise religious and other beliefs.Concerns have been raised that people like JK Rowling could have been targeted by the new law, after she expressed her views on transgender issues.
Other prominent people to add their name to the letter include the human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and the philosopher AC Grayling. The Law Society of Scotland, the Scottish Newspaper Society, the Scottish Police Federation and the Catholic Church have also raised concerns about the bill.
Comment: If you don't like the message, shoot the messenger.