SNP’s anti-sectarian legislation: The case has not been made

John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, has dissented to the recommendation in the Justice Committee's report on The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill and the recommendation that there is a need for new legislation to tackle the problem of sectarianism in connection with football.

John Lamont MSP said:

"The Scottish Conservatives pushed hard for the legislation to be sent back to the drawing board in June. There were huge concerns about the lack of consultation and the clear possibility of negative, unintended consequences. Unfortunately, these concerns still remain.

"All right minded people want to eradicate the evils of sectarianism, but the best way of doing this is with clear, robust and vigorous legislation.

"Quite simply, the case has not been made by the Scottish Government for new legislation. Indeed, the evidence presented to the Committee did not support the need for new legislation either. We want to see more effective use of existing non-legislative measures and the better enforcement of existing law. There is no case for 'something must be done' syndrome producing bad law and unfortunately, that is exactly what we have here."

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