(1) It is unlawful for a person, by a public act, to incite hatred towards,
serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons on
the ground of the race of the person or members of the group.
(2) Nothing in
this section renders unlawful--
(a) a fair report of a public act referred to
in subsection (1), or
(b) a communication or the distribution or
dissemination of any matter on an occasion that would be subject to a defence
of absolute privilege (whether under the Defamation Act 2005 or otherwise) in
proceedings for defamation, or
(c) a public act, done reasonably and in good
faith, for academic, artistic, scientific or research purposes or for other
purposes in the public interest, including discussion or debate about and
expositions of any act or matter.