Calling someone ‘old’ could land Scots with a criminal record under new woke laws being introduced by the SNP to tackle ‘ageism’.

From next year, the definition of a hate crime will be extended to include threats or abusive language which focus on someone’s age.

Critics have warned that being rude or mocking someone for being old – or young – could result in a ‘hate crime’ conviction, punishable by a prison sentence or hefty fine.

The radical change is part of Humza Yousaf’s draconian Hate Crime and Public Order legislation, which he first mooted while he was Justice Secretary.

Under the Act passed during the Covid crisis in 2021, offences are considered aggravated if they involve prejudice on the basis of disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity or variation in sex characteristics.

It also created new offences of ‘stirring up hatred’ – which previously applied only to race – meaning Scots could break the rules in the privacy of their own home. Now, new guidance has disclosed that age is to become a protected characteristic from next year.

Under the change, the SNP’s own Mhairi Black could fall foul of the legislation. Last week she dismissed those who don’t agree with her views on transgender rights as ’50-year-old Karens’.

Last night, Toby Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: ‘The notion that describing someone as a ‘grumpy old man’ or a ‘callow youth’ should be a hate crime is ludicrous.

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