Bengaluru, Dec. 19 -- The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday cleared a contentious bill aimed at preventing hate speech and hate crimes amid loud protests and a walkout by the Opposition. The House took up the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Prevention Bill after home minister G Parameshwara introduced it and outlined its objectives and provisions. Proceedings were disrupted by Bharatiya Janata Party legislators, who were protesting remarks by urban development minister BS Suresh concerning lawmakers from the coastal region of the state. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar supported the legislation, saying, "Of course, hate speech prevention is part of the government's agenda. We must maintain peace, law and order in the state." Opposition leaders strongly opposed the move. Leader of the Opposition R Ashok argued, "What else can we expect from the people who declared an emergency?" he said. P4...