Bid to scrap anti-sectarian football law backed

A HOLYROOD committee has backed a Bill to overturn a controversial law aimed at tackling sectarian behaviour at football.

A narrow majority of members of the Justice Committee gave their support to Labour MSP James Kelly’s Bill to repeal the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act.

The majority of committee members found existing laws gen- erally cover behaviour the Act criminalises.

The law came into force in 2012 after the SNP used its majority in the last Parliament to pass it despite a lack of support from other parties.

In a report, the committee said it “unanimously condemns sectarianism, hate crime and offensive behaviour”.

Convener Margaret Mitchell said: “Whether the Act is finally repealed or not, the message that came through from the vast majority of witnesses was that this legislation needs to be changed.

“While there is disagreement over the best way to proceed, the committee is united in its desire to have laws that help the police and prosecutors to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour.

“However, it is vitally important that our laws actually improve relationships between various groups within society, including law enforcement and sports fans.”

The committee also made recommendations to apply whether or not the Act is repealed, including that the Scottish Government creates a legal definition of sectarianism.

Mr Kelly said: “The reason for the committee backing the repeal is the weight of evidence against the Football Act.

He added: “Its only achievement is breaking down trust between fans and the police.”