Charity launches radical 13-point plan to combat the scourge of sectarianism

A CHARITY set up to tackle sectarianism has called for a major programme to combat the problem at its root.

Nil By Mouth published a 13-point plan weeks before MSPs will be asked to back controversial laws on religious-sectarian hate crime, particularly linked to football.

The plan includes a compulsory rehabilitation programme for anyone convicted of sectarian offences and calls for funds for supporters’ groups to develop their own projects.

The charity wants every civil servant and pupil in Scotland to receive sectarianism awareness training by 2015. And it wants research carried out into the link between Old Firm matches, domestic abuse and injuries to children.

Nil By Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson following the murder of her friend Mark Scott. The campaign director, Dave Scott, said: “Last year saw record numbers of convictions for sectarian offences, but we cannot simply arrest, or even spend, our way out of this problem.

“We must look at the root causes and prevent another generation fighting the battles of the past.

“Our plan focuses on education, intervention and rehabilitation and seeks to start a genuine nationwide debate on the issue … From our building sites to our boardrooms, classrooms to courtrooms there can be no hiding place for sectarianism.”

The plan also includes sectarianism awareness training for police officers.