Scottish PEN notes with regret the development of an atmosphere in parts of the literary world in Scotland whereby writers and events are singled out to be the subject of attempts to encourage boycotts of work and performances, and enforce the cancellation of events.
The perpetrators of this behaviour may utilise implied or express threats, including threats of silencing the artist or artists under attack, in attempts to achieve their goals. These tactics are often used to avoid the discomfort of engaging in disagreement. While Scottish PEN encourages open discussion and critical engagement with ideas, these tactics are unacceptable. Without limiting the foregoing, we continue to endorse the statement issued by PEN International, Scottish PEN and twenty other PEN centres in 2020 regarding the issue of online harassment (1).
Members of the PEN movement internationally pledge to oppose any form of suppression of freedom of expression in the country and community to which they belong.
In accordance with this commitment, Scottish PEN condemns attempts to enforce boycotts and cancellations of work in which artists use their freedom of expression within the boundaries of the law. Scottish PEN also condemns the use of the kinds of tactics described above.