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Sectarianism in Scotland: The Last Decade (Chapter One)

© Simon Hill

There has been the suggestion from some people that Scotland is no longer sectarian, that religious arguments are part of the past. We will examine the evidence and trends that have contributed to the perceived decline of sectarianism. In contrast to this decline events such as the Monklands by-election of June 30th 1994, the speech made by James MacMillan at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 1999, and the cancelled visit of Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern on the 8th February 2001 in addition to continuing Old Firm football violence and the debate over the seperate Catholic schools system, seem to suggest that sectarianism is alive and well. By studying these events in detail we may become better able to appreciate the continuing importance of this issue in west central modern Scotland.

Recently a Liberal Democrat MSP, Donald Gorrie, has proposed a new law on sectarian harassment which would for the first time make sectarian discrimination or prejudice an offence. Up until now the government has been unwilling to gather statiscal evidence on religious discrimination in employment or sectarian violence and have not sought legal powers to punish either. Clearly this new law would be a groundbreaking development as sectarianism would at last be, not only recognised, but also illegal in the eyes of the law. Yet this proposal has sparked off more questions than it answers. Should sectarianism be treated differently to racism? Will entire football crowds be arrested for singing sectarian abuse? How will sectarian crimes be recognised?

An article on Donald Gorrie and his anti-sectarian legislation appeared in the Herald on May 4th 2001, it briefly outlined his proposal and the possible implications. Below this article was another smaller article with the headline 'Flute music man fined'. This article told of how Barry Doudie was fined for making sectarian remarks and playing loud flute music in his home. Sheriff Albert Sheehan was quoted as having said 'I find little distinction between sectarian and racial behaviour'. This may lead some to suggest that sectarian crimes are already dealt with within the framework of the existing legal system, however in this case Doudie was eventually charged with a Breach of the Peace (not a serious charge) and it was left up to the individual judge to mention the sectarian aspect of his crime. If the legislation proposed by Gorrie passes then there will be little distinction between racism and sectarianism in the eyes of the law. This would undoubtedly be a positive step for the Scottish parliament because there should be no difference between how racism and sectarianism are perceived. After the host of new legislation on racism and a firm commitment from the government to tackle this problem similar action to combat sectarianism would seem to be a natural progression.

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