General
What is sectarianism?
There are many opinions about what sectarianism is and what constitutes sectarian behaviour. The Scottish Executive’s anti-sectarian work is specifically focussed on dealing with intra-Christian tensions as this is a very specific problem in Scottish culture which needs to be addressed.
Why is the Scottish Executive focusing specifically on intra-Christian sectarianism?
This is a very specific problem in Scottish society. Other issues, such as Islamophobia and racism are also being addressed by the Scottish Executive as separate strands of work.
Why do you include the whole of Scotland in your campaign? Surely this is just a west-coast issue?
Sectarianism is a problem that affects the whole of Scotland. While some aspects of sectarian behaviour are more prominent in certain parts of the country, this does not mean that it is a solely west-coast problem.
Who has been leading on the work to tackle sectarianism?
The Scottish Executive has been leading the work on tackling sectarianism and works with key organisations from a range of organisations across Scottish society. More information on this work can be found in the
Action Plan on Tackling Sectarianism.
Who are the Executive’s partners?
We work with a wide range of partners including: Sense Over Sectarianism; Nil by Mouth; YouthLink Scotland; Sportscotland; the Scottish Trade Union Congress; the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland; the Scottish Football Association; the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; the Scottish Catholic Education Service; the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations march organisers etc
Surely the recent figures published on religiously aggravated crimes under Section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 prove that Catholics are the main victims?
No information is available on the religion of the victim and the 64% of incidents in the analysis is where the crime was deemed to be conduct perceived as derogatory to Catholicism. Section 74 gives equal protection to all groups and sends a clear message that hatred of any form, racism, religious intolerance and extremism will not be tolerated in Scotland.
What are the key findings of the analysis of Religiously Aggravated Reported Crimes?
Key findings in the report reveal:
- 88% of proven charges were for breach of the peace.
- In 45% of the cases (242/532) the accused was under the influence of alcohol.
- 57.0% (303/532) of cases occurred in Glasgow, 13.5% (72/532) occurred in North Lanarkshire and 9.8% (52/532)occurred in South Lanarkshire.
- 64% (343/532) of cases were deemed to contain conduct perceived as derogatory to Catholicism and 31% (164/532) were deemed to contain conduct perceived as derogatory towards Protestantism. It should be noted that no information is available on the religion of the victim.
- 92% (584/635) of accused were male and 8% (51/635) were female. The most frequent age group is 21-30 for males and 16-20 for females. When considering all accused, 34% (218/635) were 21-30, 26% (166/635) were 16-20 and 22% (140/635) were 31-40.
- 33% (174/532) of cases were related to football.
- 12% (64/532) were related to a march or parade.
What progress has been achieved in tackling sectarianism?
We published our Action Plan on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland on 30 January 2006 and we have delivered on a number of the 18 actions points. For example, we:
- re-launched the “Sectarianism - Don’t Give It, Don’t Take It” anti-sectarian education resource for schools on 11 September 2006;
- modernised the way that notifications to hold a march or parade are to be handled by local authorities (new legislation will take effect from 1 April 2007);
- partnered Glasgow City Council to run an Interfaith Liaison Officer pilot to develop closer links between the council and faith groups – if successful this could be rolled out across Scotland;
- sat on the Sectarianism in Football Working Group – chaired by the Scottish Football Association with input from sportscotland, Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League - is developing a strategy for tackling sectarianism in football which will be published before the turn of the year;
- will continue to analyse the information collected under Section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 to build up a robust picture of religiously aggravated crimes in Scotland; and
- introduced Football Banning Orders in Scotland on 1 September 2006.
- will be reconvening the Summit on Sectarianism towards the end of 2006.
Education
Where can I find resources for anti-sectarian education and training for young people?
The web-based resource Sectarianism:
Don’t Give It, Don’t Take It is available online. The resource is designed for use by teachers, youth workers and other educationalists in their work with young people on the issues.
There is also some material which young people can use themselves. It is website based for ease of access, and to encourage flexibility. Teachers and youth workers are able to select the materials they wish to use, and can also adapt them to suit their local context. It contains practical materials that teachers for use with a variety of age groups, from early years to secondary.
What organisations provide anti-sectarian workshops?
Sense over Sectarianism can be contacted about anti-sectarian workshops in the Glasgow and travel to work area. Nil by Mouth can also be contacted about anti-sectarian training and cover the whole of Scotland.
Why do denominational and non-denominational schools exist?
Many parents want to send their children to denominational schools, and it is to meet this demand that most local councils choose to provide such schools. We support councils in this choice, and believe denominational schools give parents another option within the state school system.
Has any work been carried out on bringing denominational and non-denominational schools together?
The Scottish Executive, with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES), hosted a seminar on twinning in the summer of 2006. The seminar highlighted the role twinning can play in tackling sectarianism and in bringing communities together.
A document on bringing non-denominational and denominational schools together; ‘Building Friendships and Strengthening Communities – A Guide to Twinning between Denominational and Non-Denominational Schools’ is available. This publication is aimed at education professionals who are thinking about becoming involved in twinning activities. It includes details of current twinning activities, good practice examples and suggestions on how schools can start twinning arrangements.
What is twinning schools all about?
We believe that it is important that children learn about the beliefs, and views of others. That doesn’t mean that they have to be in the same school – pupils at different schools can mix and work together.
What is being done to tackle sectarianism in Further and Higher Education?
The Scottish Executive has provided the National Union of Students with funding to tackle sectarianism in further and higher education.
The First Minister launched the National Union of Students’ ‘Stamp Out Sectarianism’ Campaign on 26 June 2006. A range of campaign materials have been produced to tackle sectarianism on college and university campuses across Scotland and engage with students on the issue.
Sport
Is sectarianism in football not just a problem of ’90 minute bigotry’?
No. The Scottish Executive recognises that sectarianism is an issue that affects the whole of Scottish society, and football is a part of that society. Without seeking to identify the sport as the sole problem or cause of sectarianism, the Scottish Executive is taking account of the roles and responsibilities of all parties and not just individual football clubs in tackling sectarianism both inside and outside the football ground.
What have the SFA and the clubs themselves been doing about it?
Scottish Football Association, sportscotland, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League have been working together to develop a strategy for tackling sectarianism in football which is available online.
Football clubs themselves have been taking forward a number of initiatives to tackle sectarianism, both on their own, and by working in partnership with each other.
Who has the Executive been working with to tackle sectarianism in football?
The Scottish Executive have been working with the Scottish Football Association and a range of football clubs, governing bodies and fans groups to tackle sectarianism in football.
Can Football Banning Orders be applied for sectarian behaviour?
Yes. Football Banning Orders can be applied for violent, abusive or bigoted behaviour, including sectarianism, following a conviction or by summary application to a Court. They can ban you from attending all matches in Scotland, the rest of the UK and abroad for up to 10 years.
Where can I find out more about Football Banning Orders?
Further information about Football banning Orders is available online at
www.footballbanningorders.com
I want to complain about a known troublemaker. Whom do I contact?
You should report your concerns to the police.
How many people have a Football Banning Order in Scotland?
The first Football Banning Order was served in November and a number are currently being pursued through the courts.
Have people been arrested for blessing themselves on a football pitch?
No. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in Scotland has stated that making the sign of the cross does not constitute a criminal offence. Furthermore, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service fully respects religious belief and lawful religious practices and would not countenance action against an individual for lawful acts of religious reverence or observance.
Faith
What is the Scottish Executive’s position on the Act of Settlement?
The Act of Settlement was debated by members of the Scottish Parliament on 16 December 1999. The following motion was passed by the Parliament:
“That the Parliament believes that the discrimination contained in the Act of Settlement has no place in our modern society, expresses its wish that those discriminatory aspects of the Act be repealed, and affirms its view that Scottish society must not disbar participation in any aspect of our national life on the grounds of religion.”
A government amendment to the motion was also passed which added to the motion the additional text: “recognises that amendment or repeal raises complex constitutional issues, and that this is a matter reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament.”
The official record of the debate
What work has the Scottish Executive undertaken to bring faith groups together?
The Scottish Executive Equality Unit set up the Core Liaison Group in 2004. This group was set up to enable closer working and consultation with church and faith groups and provides a good vehicle for inter and intra faith working. Work has also been undertaken with the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations to tackle sectarianism.
What will you achieve by working with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations?
We recognise that there are a range of voluntary groups working at grassroots level to tackle sectarianism. These groups have the trust of the communities they serve and are able to help them articulate their views and aspirations. Working with SCVO will enable us to reach these organisations and help them share information on what is the best method for tackling sectarianism within their areas and what further action is required to meet their specific needs.
Is the Executive doing anything to tackle Islamophobia?
The Scottish Executive take the issue of Islamophobia very seriously and are working to build stronger links with Muslim and other faith and minority ethnic communities in Scotland. Meetings have taken place with a wide range of representatives from the Muslim community to get a broader feel for local concerns across Scotland and this will inform future work in Scotland.
Marches and parades
Why are marches and parades allowed to take place?
Marchers have a right to ‘freedom of peaceful assembly and association’ under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. However, this right to march is not an absolute right, and does not come without responsibilities, and restrictions can be placed on it if necessary.
What did Sir John Orr’s review of marches and parades in Scotland reveal?
Sir John Orr made 38 recommendations for professionalising and modernising the way that processions are considered and handled. All his recommendations were accepted by Scottish Ministers.
What changes have been made to legislation surrounding marches and parades?
The legislation on marches and parades is contained in Part V of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. Amendments to the 1982 Act were made in the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006. The changes will come into force on 1 April 2007. Key changes are as follows:
- we have increased the minimum amount of notice that organisers must give to a local authority about their intention to march (from seven days to 28 days);
- we have removed the ability that a local authority previously had to exempt certain processions from the requirements to give notice;
- a local authority must consider a range of issues when deciding whether to prevent a procession or place conditions on it;
- a local authority must take account of whether a procession may place too much of a burden on the police;
- a local authority must take into account the effect that a previous procession had on public safety issues and how far those involved kept to any code of conduct or guidance; and
- a local authority must keep a list of processions that have been held in their area, or which have been prevented, to allow the public to see which processions happen regularly and which are likely to happen in the future.
What do local authorities have to do from 1 April next year?
All local authorities have a duty to follow the legislation set out in Part V of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. In addition, Scottish Ministers issued guidance to local authorities on 12 December 2006 which explains how the changes in the legislation should be followed from 1 April 2007 and how new good practices should be adopted by them. The publication of the guidance will ensure that consistency of practice is adopted throughout Scotland.
What has been done to improve the behaviour of those participating in a march or a parade?
March organisers, the Grand Orange Lodge, Cairde Na hEireann and the STUC, came together on 2 May to sign a statement with the Minister for Justice, Strathclyde Police and local authority representatives to agree to work in partnership to tackle unacceptable behaviour at marches and exert whatever influence they can to minimise the disruption they can cause to communities. The Provincial Grand Black Chapter of Scotland and the Ancient Order of Hibernians have also signed up.
I want to organise a march or parade. What should I do?
As a first step you should contact your local authority who are responsible for the regulation of marches and parades in your area. The police will also have to be notified.
I want to complain about a march or parade in my local community. Whom do I contact?
Local authorities, in consultation with the police, are responsible for the regulation of marches and parades and you may wish to contact them. If the complaint is about the conduct of those attending, you may wish to contact the police.
Other work
What new work is the Executive undertaking to tackle sectarianism?
Scottish Ministers are committed to taking long-term action to tackle sectarianism in Scotland. To help take that work forward, an independent Task Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland was established in Spring 2006 to make recommendations on new areas and initiatives.
Ministers are considering:
- Recommendations on whether new legislation should be introduced to have violent and abusive individuals banned from attending marches and parades;
- The introduction of a rehabilitation programme to help tackle the behaviour and attitudes of individuals who have been convicted of sectarian behaviour. The programme would help to achieve the long-term attitudinal change which is necessary to eradicate sectarianism. The programme would be designed to help individuals take responsibility for their own actions and behaviour;
- The idea of running a programme of community road-shows across Scotland to help break down perceived barriers which can exist in some communities, promoting respect and mutual understanding and the building of trust and acceptance; and
- The development of a piece of forum theatre for use in schools, youth and community groups.
Is there any research on sectarianism in the workplace?
Yes. The Scottish Trades Union Congress are carrying out research on sectarianism in the workplace. The findings will be published in a report in the new year.