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REPORT OF CROSS-PARTY WORKING GROUP ON RELIGIOUS HATRED
Chapter 4 Existing Iniatives to Promote Respct and Tackle Religious Hatred
4.01 We are pleased to recognise that many organisations in Scotland are actively working to embrace diversity and counter manifestations of religious hatred.
GOVERNMENT
4.02 The Scottish Executive has made it clear that they will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or abuse because of someone's gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, skin colour, ethnic origin or cultural or religious background. They have said they are determined to tackle discrimination and to foster respect for the diversity of the people of Scotland. For example, they have included provisions in several Scottish Bills which require public bodies to undertake their functions in a way which encourages equal opportunities within the terms of the Scotland Act 1998. This includes the prevention, elimination or regulation of discrimination on various grounds, including "beliefs or opinions, such as religious beliefs or political opinions".
Religious Discrimination
4.03 The UK Government agreed the Article 13 European Employment Directive in October 2000 (see para 1.07 above). To meet the terms of this Directive, UK legislation to outlaw discrimination in the workplace and in training on the grounds of religion must be in place by autumn 2003. The Department of Trade and Industry is in the lead on this and is working closely with the Scottish Executive.
Funding for improved security at sites of ethnic minority community worship
4.04 Following the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States, the Scottish Executive announced funding for heightened security measures to protect worshippers at 47 sites of ethnic minority community worship, as well as some mobile CCTV projects, with a total expected spend of 988,240. The work is ongoing. The places of worship comprise mosques, synagogues, temples and two locations used by asylum seekers in Glasgow.
Scottish Executive Ethnic Minority Research Programme
4.05 The Scottish Executive is developing a broad Ethnic Minority Research Programme to further its commitment to promote equality of opportunity and social justice for all. As part of its work on identity and ethnicity classification, it plans to consider issues around religion.
SCHOOLS
4.06 Schools are at the heart of preparing young people to live in a multicultural and inclusive society and to play a full and satisfying part in adult society. Increasing social inclusion is one of the important aims of all schools. We need to make sure that children have the chance to learn about diversity and practise respect at an early age.
The School Curriculum
4.07 In Scotland the curriculum is not prescribed by statute: its delivery is a matter for schools and local authorities. The Scottish Executive Education Department and Learning and Teaching Scotland provide guidance, advice and assistance to local authorities and schools. The guidance seeks to ensure that the curriculum secures breadth, balance and continuity and progression for all pupils. There are 5-14 Curriculum Guidelines for Religious and Moral Education. These state that it is important that while recognising the role of Christianity as the major religious tradition in Scotland, pupils should be encouraged to develop understanding of, and respect for, people of other faiths and people who adapt a non-religious stance for living. The Ministerial Review Group on Religious Observance is currently considering the issues surrounding Religious Observance in Scottish schools and will seek to incorporate the views of as many interested groups as possible in its deliberations. Current plans include a consultation questionnaire, focus groups and meetings across various Scottish locations. The Group plans to report in spring 2003.
4.08 In Scotland, the 5-14 Programme for pupils between those ages offers a number of opportunities for pupils to be made aware of issues such as anti-sectarianism. Guidelines on Personal and Social Development refer specifically to learning about and developing inter-personal relationships including those with the wider community. Guidelines on Religious and Moral Education also provide opportunities to learn about and develop moral values and attitudes in the context of relationships with others in the community. Key features of Social Subjects within Environmental Studies include "social rules, rights and responsibilities" and "conflict and participation in decision-making in society". We understand that this has helped primary schools to introduce relevant aspects of citizenship into their work.
4.09 The Scottish Executive works with education authorities, schools and relevant interest organisations in taking forward a commitment to equal opportunities. All schools are advised to have a policy on equal opportunities.
4.10 The Executive funds a number of relevant initiatives:
- the Scottish School Ethos Network which shares good practice in promoting a positive ethos in schools;
- the Anti-bullying Network which provides in-school training, a consultancy service to support individual schools and disseminates good practice;
- the Scottish Traveller Education Programme, which promotes inclusion of Gypsy/Traveller children in Scottish Education; and
- the Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland (CERES) which aims to promote education for racial equality within educational services in Scotland.
Standards in Scotland's Schools Act 2000
4.11 The Act requires authorities to publish an annual statement of education improvement objectives which includes an account of the way in which they will, in providing school education, encourage equal opportunities and, in particular, the observance of the equal opportunities requirements.
4.12 Scottish Ministers set National Priorities for school education under the Act. One of these is: "to work with parents to teach pupils respect for self and one another and their interdependence with other members of their neighbourhood and society, and to teach them the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society". Education Authorities must develop improvement objectives for their areas: the first version of local authority Improvement Plans was published in December 2001. The National Priorities Support Pack will provide materials on how schools can promote equality and teach children the duties and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.
RELIGIOUS and VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
Church of Scotland
4.13 The Church of Scotland's Church and Nation Committee reported to the General Assembly 2002 on its study of the adverse effects of sectarianism within Scottish society and its recommendations for change. Although the report is limited to inter- Christian sectarianism, the Committee considered that much of what it had learned was readily applicable to other forms of bigotry and intolerance evident in Scottish society. It acknowledged that the Church's record on sectarianism in times past was "far from blameless" and said: "Sectarianism is not someone else's problem. It is an issue for all of us." In preparing its report, the Church and Nation Committee took evidence from many individuals and groups both secular and Church-based who recognised the effects of sectarianism in Scottish society and are working in different ways to counter it. The Committee has made a number of recommendations for action to tackle sectarianism: for the Church as a whole, for congregations and for individual members. The recommendations lay emphasis on working with, and learning from, other organisations. They are reproduced in Annex C. The full text of the Church and Nation Report can be found in the General Assembly 2002 report, which may be downloaded from the Web at: http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/boards/churchnation/churchnationreport.htm
Nil By Mouth
4.14 Nil By Mouth is a charity which aims to challenge sectarian behaviour and ultimately to reduce the threat of sectarian violence itself. In its Charter for Change, Nil by Mouth calls on organisations, including the Scottish Executive, local authorities, churches, employers and football clubs, to promote non-sectarianism. It also calls on the Scottish Parliament to change the law so sentences can be increased for anyone convicted of an offence aggravated by sectarian behaviour. The Charter is reproduced at Annex D.
4.15 The Scottish Executive has recently awarded Nil By Mouth funding of 25,000 for each of three years beginning 2002. The funding will assist the organisation to raise awareness amongst children and young people of the problems of sectarianism and bigotry within Scottish society, thereby making a useful contribution to education for citizenship in schools and other youth groups.
SPORT
sportscotland
4.16 sportscotland is developing a structure for delivering ethics for Scottish governing bodies of sport to adopt. The aim is to create an atmosphere which encourages and supports governing bodies in addressing issues such as discrimination whether on grounds of sex, race, colour or religion. This programme takes a broad-based approach by addressing not only religious or other forms of discrimination, but equity and equality issues generally including fair play, anti-doping, child protection and access for all wherever they live and whatever their background and personal circumstances.
The Scottish Football Association
4.17 The SFA's Memorandum and Articles of Association set out its objects which include promoting, fostering and developing football in all its branches "without discrimination against any organisation or person for reasons of race, religion or politics". The SFA's annual report for 2001-02 noted that "the dual function of addressing racism and bigotry has been progressed positively through the medium of football, and the SFA will continue to highlight the importance of these campaigns in educating young people so that, eventually, all forms of racist and sectarian behaviour can be eliminated from the Scottish game". The report also stated that Scottish clubs had worked hard to combat sectarianism and, although progress was slow, there were signs of improvement in attitudes and behaviour, particularly because the clubs were taking the initiative to condemn sectarianism.
4.18 The Scottish Football Association is introducing a National Club Licensing Scheme. It intends to assess clubs in the Scottish Premier League and in the Scottish Football League First Division for their licences in the current season 2002-2003. It intends to assess the remaining Scottish Football League clubs in 2003-2004. We understand that amongst other things, the scheme places a responsibility on clubs to provide evidence of a clear policy against racism and sectarianism and for the policy to be incorporated in supporters' charters.
Sense Over Sectarianism
4.19 Sense Over Sectarianism is a joint initiative, launched on 11 October 2001, which has brought together the Old Firm, Glasgow City Council, Nil By Mouth, the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland in a concerted effort to tackle the problem. Funding of 420,000 was granted by the Millennium Commission to help this initiative make a positive impact across the city of Glasgow. The scheme's purpose is to make grants available to individuals who come up with innovative ideas about tackling some aspect of sectarianism. A co-ordinator promotes the scheme, supports applications and facilitates the assessment process. The initiative has granted funds to several innovative programmes. These are not restricted to "traditional" sectarianism; some projects specifically deal with recognition of, and respect for, the various religious and cultural traditions of people living in Glasgow.
Celtic Football Club
4.20 Celtic Football Club has been involved in a number of anti-bigotry initiatives, including its social charter (code of behaviour) which is used in educating youth supporters and which anyone who has caused trouble at a match must sign. A further breach of the code means dismissal from the ground and being barred from attendance at games. The Bhoys Against Bigotry Campaign was launched at Celtic Park in June 1997. Celtic FC is also involved in the "Sense over Sectarianism" awards outlined above.
Rangers Football Club
4.21 Rangers Football Club, in partnership with the Education Support Service, devised a Ready to Learn package for Glasgow schools. It is a programme of curricular and Personal and Social Education activities designed to support and complement the work of schools by providing a range of stimulus materials within a football/sport context, challenging sectarianism and bigotry. Rangers FC is also involved in the "Sense over Sectarianism" awards outlined above.
Scottish Professional Footballers' Association
4.22 The "Score Goals" development programme is a pilot youth scheme being developed by the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association in partnership with Glasgow City Council. It aims to use football as a "hook" to promote active citizenship. It is a community partnership programme developed to help divert children from drugs, crime and truancy through the medium of football. It is aimed at 12-15 year olds, mainly boys, but girls are not excluded. If successful with a football focus, the project co-ordinators aim to expand the project to include other sports/activities (especially non-competitive inclusive activities aimed at girls such as aerobics). Partners involved in the programme are Glasgow City Council Cultural and Leisure Services, Glasgow City Council DRS Community Safety Partnership, Glasgow City Council Education Services, Scotland Against Drugs and Strathclyde Police. Partick Thistle and Queens Park Football Clubs are also giving aid in kind. The Director of Education and Chief Constable have both given their support to the project.
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