The Police Federation of Scotland said the bill will drastically affect the relationship between the public and officers, who will essentially be ‘policing what people think or feel.’
Those found in violation of the law could face up to a year in prison for ‘discriminatory remarks’ made in private, and up to three years for public comments.
“To put it bluntly, th[is] means you can’t take someone through the federal human rights apparatus over hurt feelings via a blog post or a Facebook comment,” said Brian Lilley, senior correspondent for Sun Media.
The controversial Canadian bill has been dubbed the “bathroom bill” by critics, who say it would give men a legal alibi to use women’s bathrooms and showers.
A case argued before the Supreme Court yesterday, if decided the wrong way, could result in "a virtual open season on anyone communicating a religiously informed position on any matter of public policy," says EFC lawyer.