MSP kicks off campaign to scrap laws to tackle sectarianism

A Labour MSP is kicking off a grassroots campaign as part of his efforts to scrap controversial laws aimed at tackling sectarianism at football grounds.
Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act looked to tackle the problem in Scotland. Picture: Ian RutherfordOffensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act looked to tackle the problem in Scotland. Picture: Ian Rutherford
Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act looked to tackle the problem in Scotland. Picture: Ian Rutherford

James Kelly has already launched a proposal for a Bill to repeal the controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act.

The Act, which came into force in 2012, criminalises behaviour which is “threatening, hateful or otherwise offensive at a regulated football match including offensive singing or chanting”.

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Mr Kelly, who will be speaking to fans outside Fir Park stadium in Motherwell this afternoon ahead of the club’s game against St Johnstone, said: “The SNP arrogantly bulldozed this piece of legislation through. Sectarianism has been a problem in Scotland for more than a hundred years. The SNP are wrong to think it can be solved in 90 minutes on a Saturday.”