This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Details of summit on sectarianism
22/04/2005
The official summary of talks at February's sectarianism summit at Bute House in Edinburgh is published today.
Ahead of Sunday's Old Firm match, Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson highlighted Celtic and Rangers' public statements of their commitment to fight football bigotry. MInisters expect to launch a national action plan against sectarianism Ministers in August.
Ms Jamieson said:
"We have pledged to rid Scotland of bigots and sectarian bullies. I am encouraged that progress is being made even as our national action plan to tackle sectarianism is developed.
"I am heartened that many organisations are already taking responsibility for making changes where they have influence. This has been particularly notable in the world of football, where Rangers and Celtic have made strong public statements outlining their commitment to tackle sectarian behaviour.
"But much also rests with individuals. It doesn't matter where you watch the match on Sunday or which team you support. Traditional football songs should not be twisted into sectarian anthems. If you know your history, then you also know that sectarianism is wrong. If you follow in other's footsteps, then make sure you are also striding out against bigotry.
"Much has been done to rid the country of the stain of sectarianism, but more needs to be done - and the pace of change needs to be stepped up. No single organisation or individual has the answer. Everyone - from communities to businesses to faith groups to government - needs to work together on this. Our joint action plan will help us focus on how and where work is needed over the longer term to build the one Scotland of many cultures we aspire to be."
- Early actions already underway to help stamp out sectarianism include:
- New laws to identify and punish crimes fuelled by bigotry
- Renewed action by police and prosecutors to use laws against bigoted thugs
- More voluntary groups working in communities to nip sectarian attitudes in the bud
- Churches working closer together than ever before
In addition to public statements condemning sectarianism and bigotry, Rangers and Celtic have also :
- supported various initiatives including a wristband initiative with Strathclyde Police in advance of Sunday's game
- launched the Old Firm Alliance taking football coaching and anti-sectarianism into schools throughout Glasgow