2000 responses on Hate Crime Bill
MSPs will begin considering the "contentious'' Hate Crime Bill next month.
The controversial proposals by the Scottish Government aim to update the characteristics protected in law from hate crimes and introduce "stirring up'' of hatred offences.
A consultation about the plans by Holyrood's Justice Committee received more than 2,000 submissions, described by convener Adam Tomkins as an "unprecedented'' response.
Mr Tomkins confirmed the committee would begin hearing evidence from witnesses towards the end of October with the intention of producing a Stage One report about the evidence by December 18.
MSPs will then vote on whether the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill should proceed to stages two and three for further scrutiny, amendments and ultimately approval or refusal for the proposed legislation becoming law.
Mr Tomkins said: "The number of submissions we have received is unprecedented and reflects that this Bill is contentious.
"Hundreds of individuals and organisations have written to us setting out their views on the offences that this Bill would both create and abolish.
"Given the importance of this legislation - and the strength of feeling it is generating - it is vital that sufficient time is allowed for scrutiny.
"Our committee has already agreed that it will revisit the deadline of December 18 should it become necessary.''
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the reforms of hate crime legislation would seek to find a balance between free speech and fighting intolerance.
Critics of the Bill - including high-profile dissenters such as comedian Rowan Atkinson and writer Val McDermid - have suggested that freedom of speech could be curtailed if it becomes law.
A letter signed by Mr Atkinson warned: "The unintended consequences of this well-meaning Bill risk stifling freedom of expression and the ability to articulate or criticise religious and other beliefs.
"The right to critique ideas, philosophical, religious and other, must be protected to allow an artistic and democratic society to flourish.''
The Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, also claimed the Bill "appears to paralyse freedom of speech in Scotland'' while the the Faculty of Advocates also raised concerns over "unintended consequences'' for free speech.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "I am grateful to all those who have responded to Parliament's call for evidence, which we will consider very carefully.
"I know from experience, both personally and from the powerful testimonies of others, the physical and mental distress that hate crime can cause victims.
"What is apparent from the many responses made public so far is that there is wide support for the main purpose of the Bill - to make clear that crimes motivated by hatred and prejudice will not be tolerated in modern Scotland.
"The Bill does not seek to stifle criticism or rigorous debate in any way but aims to achieve the correct balance between protecting those who suffer from the scourge of hate crime whilst respecting people's freedom of expression.
"As Parliament considers the details of the Bill, we will work to find common ground and compromise where necessary. This is an issue around which Scotland's Parliament can and must come together in order to protect the rights of everyone to live their lives free from harm or fear.''
Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Northsound app, on your DAB radio, online at Northsound1.co.uk, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker.