WIREDGOV

An overwhelming majority of Scots support stronger action being taken to tackle sectarianism and offensive behaviour associated with football according to a new poll published today.

The survey, carried out by TNS-BMRB, reveals that 91 per cent of Scots back stronger action, with 89 per cent agreeing that sectarianism is offensive and unacceptable in Scottish football.

The results come as the Scottish Parliament begins its consideration of proposals by Ministers to strengthen existing laws through tough new legislation to crack down on offensive and threatening behaviour in Scottish football.

The full results show:

• 89 per cent of Scots agree that sectarianism is offensive
• 89 per cent of Scots agree that sectarianism is unacceptable in Scottish football
• 85 per cent of Scots agree that sectarianism should be a criminal offence
• 91 per cent agree that stronger action needs to be taken to tackle sectarianism and offensive behaviour associated with football in Scotland

If approved, the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill will mean anyone who carries out offensive behaviour in and around football or makes threatening communications will face up to five years in prison upon conviction and the possibility of a football banning order.

Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs said:

"Sectarianism has no place in a modern Scotland and it is clear from this latest poll that the Scottish public have had enough of it.

"Sectarianism has huge consequences for individuals who are threatened, major consequences for communities, and it undermines the very fabric of a Scotland that we want to be tolerant, respectful and forward looking.

"Clearly it won't be solved overnight, and this proposed legislation is only the start - we will be looking at further wide ranging actions which can be brought forward across society over the five year parliamentary term.

"However, behaviour which is threatening, offensive and which incites hatred and public disorder simply cannot be allowed to happen. That is why this Government is taking decisive and immediate action to clarify the law and ensure law enforcement agencies have additional tools in their armoury to crack down upon these individuals with full force.

"We need a wholesale change in attitudes amongst those who spout offensive, threatening or hateful rhetoric in the name of football. And these new laws need to be supplemented by a united effort on behalf of all involved in football, from the football clubs, fans, police, government, and the football authorities. That is why the Joint Action Group is working to deliver upon the eight commitments agreed at the Football Summit in March. Along with the Bill, this will bring about real and lasting change.

"If we are to rid Scotland of sectarianism, we need to come together as a country. We welcome the continued support of the football clubs and others in doing this and we welcome constructive contributions on this Bill as it moves through the Parliamentary process.

"The public are clearly in favour of stronger action and our proposed legislation is aimed at doing exactly that, sending out a clear message through tough new laws that there is no place for bigots in a modern-day Scotland."

A representative sample of 1,028 adults aged 16+ was interviewed in 70 constituencies throughout Scotland over the period July 27 - August 3 2011 using the TNS-BMRB Scottish omnibus, Scottish Opinion Survey, as the means of data collection. All interviews were conducted face-to-face, in-home using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) using quota sampling.

The timetable for parliamentary scrutiny of the Bill is as follows:

Stage 2

• Sept 6 - Sept 20 - Justice Committee - Evidence Sessions
• November 1 - Justice Committee - 1st Amendment Session
• November 8 - Justice Committee - 2nd Amendment Session

Stage 3

• Intention is to have bill passed by end of the year
• The Bill will then need to obtain Royal Assent before coming into force following a commencement order

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