Ideology of hate has no place in society

The Christchurch terror attacks have raised grave concerns about a global rise in anti-Islamic sentiment. The man accused of carrying out the shootings at two mosques, which claimed 50 lives, was reported to have posted an online manifesto beforehand referring to international far-right movements and the atrocity was live streamed to computer screens around the world.

It would be easy to dismiss the tragedy as something that targeted strangers on the other side of the planet. But events closer to home show this is no time for complacency.

Community leaders in Dunfermline were appalled to discover Islamophobic stickers had been posted on lampposts around the town in the hours after the New Zealand killings.

People can take some comfort from the fact the hateful messages were removed quickly by members of the public, but their appearance comes as a new report reveals a rise in incidents of abuse directed at Muslim women across Scotland, with 64% saying they had experienced or witnessed Islamophobia and 74% saying it had happened to them.

Islamic leaders in Fife are inviting everyone in the wider community to join them for a vigil to honour the victims of Christchurch this Saturday. A strong turnout from people of all faiths and none would send a resounding message that the idealogy of hate has no place in our society.