MSPs vote against Football Act as SNP suffers defeat

[Bearman 9]

Opposition parties united against the Scottish Government, winning by 64 votes to 63.

 

Opposition parties at Holyrood have united in favour of repealing laws aimed at tackling sectarianism in football.

 

The motion lodged by the Scottish Conservatives, which calls for the repeal of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act "as a matter of priority", passed by 64 votes to 63.

 

The act criminalises behaviour and communications related to football matches which are offensive, threatening, or incite religious hatred, including sectarian behaviour.

 

It was passed by the majority SNP government during the last parliament and came into force in 2012 but had little opposition support.

 

While this vote will not be binding, Labour MSP James Kelly has brought forward a members' bill aimed at scrapping the legislation, which has the support of the Tories, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens.

 

http://stv.tv/news/politics/1371805-msps-vote-against-football-act-as-snp-suffers-defeat/

[aweebluesoandso 290]

My worry is what replaces it? As we know Hollyrood is riddled with haters of our club and supporter. Some SMP's have even been caught posting sectarian remarks about us on social media. My concern is they will simply tighten the law to make sure they can pursue us with more vigor, whilst ignoring other club's supporters.

[boabie 230]

Until they spell out in detail exactly what this law or future replacement considers to be an offence it will be doomed to failure imo.

[Darthter 542]

I've always felt that the principle behind the act was right - sectarianism and unlawful behaviour should be tackled, however the implementation was a shambles.

a full review is badly required.