Sectarianism group’s question of identity
IT was established three years ago to tackle sectarianism.
But one issue still puzzles experts on a Scottish Government advisory body – the definition of sectarianism.
In its final report, the Advisory Group on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland recommended that ‘the Scottish Government continue to seek the help of communities across Scotland to craft a definition’.
A series of other findings were included in the 0-page report, including proposals for an education programme based on the popular Horrible Histories series for children.
It said: ‘We believe that every school should be able to show how they have been dealing with this issue. To aid this development, an accessible Horrible Histories-type timeline of sectarianism in Scotland should be developed that can be picked up and used by schools.’
The report also said sanctions were urgently required to compel football clubs to do more to tackle sectarianism – a problem that has been rife in Scottish football for decades, particularly with the Old Firm.
The group was satisfied no club is promoting a ‘sectarian fan identity’ for profit – but it did find a reluctance to confront sectarianism in case it discouraged fans from attending matches or buying merchandise.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Edinburgh, advisory group chairman Dr Duncan Morrow said: ‘It is important we move from just talking about this and endlessly considering it as an element of Scotland that is hidden away, to something that can be dealt with in a robust and real manner.’