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Motion · S6M-20914 · 25 Feb 2026

Tourette Syndrome Awareness After BAFTA 2026 Awards

Lodged by Jeremy Balfour Standard Motion 21 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament condemns the use of derogatory and dehumanising language, including racial slurs, while recognising that the incident at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, in which a guest with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted offensive language, was the result of a symptom of a neurological condition; acknowledges that Tourette syndrome is characterised by motor and vocal tics, which, in some people, can include coprolalia, the spontaneous utterance of socially inappropriate words or phrases, and that these tics are not intentional expressions of belief or intent; expresses concern that mischaracterising such symptoms can stigmatise disabled people, particularly children and young people with Tourette syndrome, who already face anxiety, isolation and discrimination; emphasises that it is possible to be both anti-racist and disability-aware, promoting understanding of neurological differences while challenging racism, without treating these objectives as competing; calls for compassionate public discourse that discourages stigma and builds inclusive communities, and highlights the work of Tourette Scotland, which provides support, guidance, education and advocacy for families affected by Tourette syndrome across Scotland.

Supporters (21)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.