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Sectarian proposals go to Scottish cabinet Scottish cabinet backs Sectarian proposals
(about 1 hour later)
Plans for a tough crackdown on sectarianism are being put before the first meeting of the new Scottish cabinet later. A planned crackdown on sectarianism has been backed at the first meeting of the new Scottish cabinet.
New legislation would see the maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes rise from six months to five years. New legislation which could be passed in weeks will see the maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes rise from six months to five years.
And online postings expressing religious hatred or death threats would also become an indictable offence.And online postings expressing religious hatred or death threats would also become an indictable offence.
The SNP has made the issue a priority, and wants new laws in place for the start of the football season in July.The SNP has made the issue a priority, and wants new laws in place for the start of the football season in July.
The move comes in the wake of several high-profile football-related incidents, and First Minister Alex Salmond has spoken of sectarianism as a "parasite" which must be "eradicated".The move comes in the wake of several high-profile football-related incidents, and First Minister Alex Salmond has spoken of sectarianism as a "parasite" which must be "eradicated".
Two men have appeared in court after suspected bombs were sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and two other high-profile supporters of the club in March.Two men have appeared in court after suspected bombs were sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and two other high-profile supporters of the club in March.
Another man was charged with breach of the peace and assault, both aggravated by religious prejudice, after an alleged attack on Celtic manager Neil Lennon at a football game on 11 May.Another man was charged with breach of the peace and assault, both aggravated by religious prejudice, after an alleged attack on Celtic manager Neil Lennon at a football game on 11 May.
The precise nature of the legislation won't become clear until the bill itself is announced.The precise nature of the legislation won't become clear until the bill itself is announced.
But is it understood the proposals could focus on two new offences on football-related behaviour regarded as offensive and threatening.But is it understood the proposals could focus on two new offences on football-related behaviour regarded as offensive and threatening.
One would potentially look at disorder around football matches inside the ground, and could extend to those travelling to and from stadiums, as well as fans watching games elsewhere, for example, in pubs or on big screens outdoors.One would potentially look at disorder around football matches inside the ground, and could extend to those travelling to and from stadiums, as well as fans watching games elsewhere, for example, in pubs or on big screens outdoors.
Another offence would look at serious threats - including murder - made on the internet.Another offence would look at serious threats - including murder - made on the internet.
That could include posts on sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as specific websites.That could include posts on sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as specific websites.
Both offences would become indictable, with a maximum punishment of five years in jail.Both offences would become indictable, with a maximum punishment of five years in jail.
The maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes is currently six months.The maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes is currently six months.
As is always the case, any new law sets out the penalties available - decisions on sentencing in each case are a matter for the courts.As is always the case, any new law sets out the penalties available - decisions on sentencing in each case are a matter for the courts.
An ill-tempered Celtic-Rangers cup game in March, which saw players sent off and touch-line and tunnel confrontations, as well as 34 arrests inside the stadium, resulted in a summit on the issue, organised by Mr Salmond.An ill-tempered Celtic-Rangers cup game in March, which saw players sent off and touch-line and tunnel confrontations, as well as 34 arrests inside the stadium, resulted in a summit on the issue, organised by Mr Salmond.
Scotland's new chief prosecutor, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, has been driving the new legislation, while Scotland's new justice minister, Roseanna Cunningham, has been given specific responsibility for tackling sectarianism. Scotland's new chief prosecutor, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, is driving the new legislation, while Scotland's new justice minister, Roseanna Cunningham, has been given specific responsibility for tackling sectarianism.
Even though the SNP is now in majority government, it has called on all parties to support the plans, as a way of sending a strong message of the parliament's intent to clamp down on sectarian behaviour.Even though the SNP is now in majority government, it has called on all parties to support the plans, as a way of sending a strong message of the parliament's intent to clamp down on sectarian behaviour.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill told the BBC said of the proposals: "Firstly, there is the question of threatening, abuse or disorderly behaviour at, or on the way to, a football match. We want to make sure there are specific powers to deal adequately in terms of sentencing and in terms of the law being appropriate.Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill told the BBC said of the proposals: "Firstly, there is the question of threatening, abuse or disorderly behaviour at, or on the way to, a football match. We want to make sure there are specific powers to deal adequately in terms of sentencing and in terms of the law being appropriate.
"Secondly we want to be able to deal with the problems that we have seen with people using electronic communications to peddle hate and sectarian bile."Secondly we want to be able to deal with the problems that we have seen with people using electronic communications to peddle hate and sectarian bile.
"There is a bit of a gap in the law there. The law was created long before some of these matters came on stream and we want to make sure it is fit for purpose.""There is a bit of a gap in the law there. The law was created long before some of these matters came on stream and we want to make sure it is fit for purpose."
Mr MacAskill told BBC Scotland those who use the internet to spread their sectarian message would be targeted but he also said there would not be a list of banned songs for football grounds.Mr MacAskill told BBC Scotland those who use the internet to spread their sectarian message would be targeted but he also said there would not be a list of banned songs for football grounds.
He said it would be for the courts to decide.He said it would be for the courts to decide.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament met to approve the new team of SNP ministers, which was announced last week.Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament met to approve the new team of SNP ministers, which was announced last week.
The appointments were welcomed by most of the opposition parties, although new Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie warned the team were "Alex Salmond's new independence army".The appointments were welcomed by most of the opposition parties, although new Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie warned the team were "Alex Salmond's new independence army".