Sectarianism, and the anti-social, bigoted and violent behaviour it creates, has plagued the lives of too many people for too long.
As the First Minister Alex Salmond stated:
"...the song tells us for Scotland to flourish then 'Let us be rid of those bigots and fools. Who will not let Scotland, live and let live.' Our new Scotland is built on the old custom of hospitality. We offer a hand that is open to all, whether they hail from England, Ireland, Pakistan or Poland. Modern Scotland is also built on equality. We will not tolerate sectarianism as a parasite in our national game of football or anywhere else in this society."
An overwhelming majority of Scots support stronger action being taken to tackle sectarianism and offensive behaviour.
The full results show:
89% of Scots agree that sectarianism is offensive
89% of Scots agree that sectarianism is unacceptable in Scottish football
85% of Scots agree that sectarianism should be a criminal offence
91% agree that stronger action needs to be taken to tackle sectarianism and offensive behaviour associated with football in Scotland
The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 14th December 2011. The Bill criminalises behaviour which is threatening, hateful or otherwise offensive at a regulated football match including offensive singing or chanting. It also criminalises the communication of threats of serious violence and threats intended to incite religious hatred, whether sent through the post or posted on the internet. The Joint Action Group of the Football Summit has prioritised tackling sectarian and offensive behaviour at football and threatening communications.