The Christian Institute says a proposed amendment to the Scottish Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill poses a “massive threat” to freedom of speech in Scotland.

The amendment has been put forward by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill. It proposes criminalising “threatening, alarming or distressing behaviour”.

Although the amendment is designed to protect victims of stalking, The Christian Institute fears the amendment’s broad scope could see Christians facing criminal charges if they engage in debate.

Director Colin Hart said the potential of the amendment to undermine free speech and religious liberty was “massive”.

He warned that the law had the potential to be even more damaging than a statute in England and Wales which was brought to prevent disorder but which led to two Christian hoteliers being prosecuted for a religiously aggravated public disorder after allegedly criticising Islam.

Some campaigners for stalking victims have come out in support of an amendment put forward by Rhoda Grant MSP which specifically identifies stalking as an offence and includes behaviour causing physical or psychological harm to victims, such as sending e-mails, phoning or spying.

Supporters of Mr MacAskill’s amendment argue that a loosely worded law will increase the chances of a stalker being convicted.

Mr MacAskill withdrew the amendment during Stage 2 this week but wants to return to it at Stage 3.