A LARGS councillor believes freedom of speech is being undermined by the new Hate Crime Bill.

Cllr Tom Marshall claims that the Scottish Government move has triggered a huge public backlash with an unprecedented 2000 submissions received by Hollywood Justice Committee in a call for views.

He said: "It means that even Scottish, English and Irishman jokes would be out of bounds in case they cause offence. I think it is ridiculous.

"The bill could frustrate rational debate and discussion which has a fundamental role in society.

"I also have concerns that there is no dwelling defence, you could be sitting round a table and a grandparent makes some mildly offensive comment - it is a debate that should be kept in the family home but if a child picks it up and narrates it to a teacher, and causes offence, then it opens up to prosecution.

"There could be a lot of spurious prosecutions because if you feel offended you can instigate a prosecution

"It is very George Orwell and 1984 and the all seeing eye in the corner of the room with too much state interference with people's lives.

"There are obviously situations were people who intend to give offence and stir up hatred should be prosecuted.

"In the course of a day if someone cracks a joke or makes a statement it could lead to an offence - they need to reduce the bar on this as it is over the top."