Church urges Scottish Government not to rush anti-sectarianism Bill

The Church of Scotland has warned the Scottish minister responsible for tackling sectarianism not to rush through a Bill to deal with the problem.

The Scottish Government is due to publish proposals for legislation to address sectarianism among football fans today.

The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill proposes tougher prison sentences of up to five years for sectarian hate crimes.

In addition to instances of sectarianism at football matches or in pubs where matches are being screened, the Bill covers sectarian hate postings on the internet.

It could be passed as soon as June 30 in time for the start of the next football season.

The Rt Rev David Arnott, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has met with Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs to discuss the Bill.

Mr Arnott said he was “unconvinced” by the approach to sectarianism contained in the Bill and warned that the speed with which it was being “rushed” through made it appear to “lack scrutiny and clarity”.

“We remain nervous about the haste in which this Bill is being rushed through Parliament,” he said.

Although sectarianism is experienced largely on the terraces of football stadiums, Mr Arnott said it could be found elsewhere and that it was a deeply cultural issue that could not be solved by words or legislation alone.

Instead, he pointed to the success of local-level initiatives and ecumenical work as part of the answer.

He said: “We remain of the view that real change comes when human relationships are healed and that takes time, effort, resources and a commitment to working in local communities and with a wide range of local organisations.”