Bid to define sectarianism under Scots law is launched
A LEGAL definition of sectarianism is to be established in a bid to secure more prosecutions.
The Scottish Government has set up a working group to define Sectarianism in Scots law,
It is hoped it will help police and prosecutors tackle sectarianism.
The group will be chaired by confirmed Professor Duncan Morrow.
The appointment comes as the government announced cash for anti-sectarianism projects.
It was one of the recommendations of the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee.
Professor Morrow said: “The continuing government support for community based projects is evidence of genuine commitment to tackle sectarian issues where they matter-in real lives.
“I look forward now to taking this opportunity to explore the options for improving the legal basis for protecting against sectarianism.”
Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing said the half a million pounds would be split among nine organisations, to be spent on education projects in schools and workplaces.
Ms Ewing said: “Sectarianism must be tackled with the same conviction as every other hate crime. Since 2012 we have delivered an unprecedented range of activities to tackle the issue across Scotland, which have made a significant impact – and this latest funding builds on these achievements.
“We have shown sustained leadership and commitment to this agenda and look forward to working with others who can positively influence the communities they serve so that we can eradicate sectarianism once and for all.
Projects include teacher and youth work training, engagement with online communities and a school pupil exchange programme to Northern Ireland’s Corrymeela community.
Ms Ewing said the new initiatives will build on Scottish Government investment so far, which has supported 108 organisations to deliver anti-sectarian education, bringing total funding for this work to £13.5 million in the past six years.
Ms Ewing added: “I thank Professor Morrow for taking forward the important work to consider the legal definition of sectarianism and I look forward to the working group’s recommendations.”