Christians welcome delay of Scotlands anti-sectarianism Bill

Christians have responded positively to the Scottish Government’s U-turn on an anti-sectarianism Bill.

First Minister Alex Salmond had been hoping to push through a Bill addressing sectarian violence among football fans in time for the start of the next football season in July.

He faced strong criticism, however, across the political parties and from the Church of Scotland, as well as Celtic and Rangers football clubs.

Opponents argued that there had not been enough time to properly debate the scope of the Bill and had raised concern that it would criminalise acts like singing the national anthem and making the sign of the cross.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev David Arnott, said he was pleased that the Government had heeded their advice.

“It is important that civic Scotland gets the chance to be part of proper democratic scrutiny on what is a crucial cultural issue," he said.

“I hope that this change indicates that the Government are serious about the need to make sure any new law is necessary, would work, and reduces the chance of any unintended consequences.

“We appreciate the ongoing efforts that the Government continues to support and this proposed legislation may be a further way to make a difference.

“But tackling the root cause of the problem rather than the symptoms remains a serious challenge that everyone in Scotland needs to play a part in overcoming, a challenge that begins in communities as much as it does in the Parliamentary chamber.”

As the Bill comes under closer scrutiny in the next months, the Evangelical Alliance (EA) in Scotland is advising the Government to hear a broader range of views.

Public policy officer for the EA in Scotland, Alistair Stevenson, welcomed the intended spirit of the law but said that it currently lacked clarity and direction.

“More importantly, aspects of the Bill could have unintended consequences, including infringing freedom of speech,” he said.

“We want to make sure churches, religious groups and others get an opportunity to have their say.”

He added: “We commend the Government for its willingness to listen in an endeavour to get the legislation right.”

The speed at which the Bill was being pushed through had prompted CARE and the Christian Institute to launch a court case against the Scottish Government over concerns that the Bill would curtail civil liberty and free speech.

The Court of Session had been due to hear the case today but the legal action has now been halted.

Christian Institute spokesman Mike Judge said: “We welcome news of the delay. It is in everybody’s interests that this important issue is not rushed.

“We very much hope there will now be proper public consultation and scrutiny so that the free speech and civil liberty problems can be addressed.”