Scotland: Church presses for free speech clause in anti-sectarian Bill

The Church of Scotland has called the SNP’s legislation to tackle sectarianism “deeply concerning”.

MSPs are at Holyrood today to debate the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill criminalises behaviour by football fans that is deemed to “incite religious, racial or other forms of hatred”.

The legislation relates to abusive behaviour in and around football stadiums, as well as comments made on the internet or in pubs.

It would make a sectarian offence punishable by up to five years in prison.

Opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the Bill, however, claiming that it will cause confusion and “cannot be supported”.

Echoing their sentiments, the Church of Scotland raised questions over the scope of the Bill.

“It is the lack of clarity over the provisions in the Bill and the potential to criminalise a far wider range of behaviour than its stated purpose, combined with the lack of popular support for the specific contents of this Bill are deeply concerning,” said the Rev Sally Fulton, Vice-convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland.

Ms Fulton is urging MSPs to support the addition of a free speech clause in the legislation.

She said: “Debate about faith can and should be challenging to everyone involved. There are huge practical difficulties if trying to differentiate between a forthright and controversial religious opinion and religious hatred.

“The Bill as currently framed risks catching people within the scope of the law when that is a disproportionate and unnecessary response to their behaviour.

“That is why we are urging MSPs to support the addition of a free speech clause.”

First Minister Alex Salmond guaranteed the inclusion of a free speech clause in the legislation following a meeting last month with the Catholic Bishop of Paisley, Philip Tartaglia, during which concerns about freedom of speech were raised.