Anti-racism motion goes before council
Councillors from across Argyll and Bute were asked to take a stand against racism, xenophobia, hate crime and all forms of intolerance at a full council meeting yesterday.
Oban, Lorn and the Isles councillors Kieron Green and Julie McKenzie were expected to present a motion to the authority at its meeting via Skype on Thursday, September 24.
The proposal asked councillors to condemn racism, xenophobia, hate crime and all forms of intolerance, support victims of such crimes and urge members of the public to report such incidents.
It also asked the council to promote initiatives to tackle hate crime and prejudice within schools and communities as well as online.
The motion was worked on with Black Lives Matter Oban and 846Solidarity, two causes which promote learning and acting against racism.
Councillor Green said: ‘In recent times the discrimination that people have suffered because of race, both historically and in the present, has been highlighted.
‘By working with Black Lives Matter Oban to bring forward a motion to the council, I am seeking for Argyll and Bute to be recognised as being a welcoming area for all and committed to tackling all forms of intolerance.’
Councillor McKenzie added: ‘We can and must do better to acknowledge and tackle the systemic injustices within society and it is important to recognise that our communities are not immune to issues of racism, hate and intolerance.
‘I have welcomed the opportunity to work alongside Black Lives Matter Oban and my colleague Councillor Green to bring this motion to full council.
‘Hopefully we will raise awareness and play our part in ensuring that the council takes a positive step forwards.’
Jakki Spicer, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Oban and 846Solidarity, said: ‘We’re grateful to Councillors Green and McKenzie for putting forth this motion, and know that it will put into words the commitment that Argyll and Bute has to being a welcoming area and to supporting all of its residents.