MSPs to debate Sectarianism Bill

[ian1964 10,626]

The SNP's anti-sectarianism legislation will come under fire once again as opposition parties unite behind calls that it cannot be supported.

 

The proposed laws will be debated in Holyrood, with the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Greens all backing a Labour amendment which says the Scottish Government has failed to make the case for the new offences set out in them.

 

The amendment to a Government motion noting the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee's recent report on the legislation, states that the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill "lacks clarity, would lead to confusion, be difficult to enforce if implemented and cannot be supported".

 

Greater consideration should be given to using existing laws, working with football authorities and "promoting positive interventions in communities and the education system".

 

The Bill, which passed to its second stage after receiving narrow backing from the Justice Committee, will create two offences relating to behaviour deemed to "incite religious, racial or other forms of hatred" in and around football grounds and on the internet. Those convicted could spend as long as five years in prison and be banned from football grounds.

 

Following criticism, the SNP administration has agreed to allow amendments to the legislation, designed to clarify the offences.

 

Labour MSP James Kelly said: "Confusion continues to reign over the SNP's flawed legislation and exactly what behaviour would be outlawed.

 

"Scottish Labour wants to support tough new measures to tackle sectarianism but we refuse to back bad legislation for the sake of it."

 

Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes added: "While it is clear that sectarianism needs to be tackled in Scottish society, it has been plain from the outset that this Bill is ill-thought out, rushed and will do little to address the underlying problems associated with sectarian behaviour."

 

Conservative justice spokesman John Lamont described the Bill as "slapdash". He said: "The SNP Government have so far totally failed to make the case for this new legislation and the evidence presented to the Justice Committee confirmed this."

 

http://breakingnews.heraldscotland.com/breaking-news/?mode=article&site=et&id=N0426171320253355573A

[Guest Dutchy]

The SNP were dragged into this by the police, but whatever reason is given, this is a badly draughted law and the SNP should stick to what they were saying just after they won an unprecedented, landslide majority. Namely that they would not ride roughshod over the parliment because of their majority and this is the time to think again.

 

For all the bloody thought that's been put into it.

 

I've supported the SNP in the past, but if they show no signs of 'listening' to the people of this country, I don't think they'll be so certain of getting my vote again.

 

The fact there's no socialist party of any crediability to vote for, makes me think voting is a worthless activity.