Fear of a “witch-hunt” has undermined freedom of speech in Scotland, according to faith groups opposed to reform of gender recognition laws.

They raised concerns after Kate Forbes, the finance minister, said voters felt “disenfranchised” from the debate and conceded that the Scottish government had not created an environment “that allowed people to express their views without being shut down”.

The Rev Stephen Allison, a spokesman for the Free Church of Scotland, said that many Christians, especially parents and especially when in the workplace, were concerned “that if they speak out on this, or other sensitive issues, it will lead to a witch-hunt from activists”.