The Anti-Sectarianism Bill

[Hibbyradge]

I will be disgusted if the Scottish Government fails to agree strong new laws to combat the cancer in our society that is bigotry.

I do hope the parties aren't using the issue as a political football. It's far too important for that.

[Phil D. Rolls]

I will be disgusted if the Scottish Government fails to agree strong new laws to combat the cancer in our society that is bigotry.

I do hope the parties aren't using the issue as a political football. It's far too important for that.

I don't think the bill has been thought through properly, and this is an example of what an opposition is supposed to do. Far too many loopholes and opportunities for people to make the law look an ass I'm afraid.

[magpie1892]

I don't think the bill has been thought through properly, and this is an example of what an opposition is supposed to do. Far too many loopholes and opportunities for people to make the law look an ass I'm afraid.

:top marks

No thought put into it whatsoever.

[CFC]

What are the perceived flaws?

Cant be all bad if the blue order and green brigade have thrown their toys out the pram about it.

[Future17]

What are the perceived flaws?

Cant be all bad if the blue order and green brigade have thrown their toys out the pram about it.

Good question.

I've read it and I can't see any flaws.

I'm honest enough to admit that there is something about the Bill that makes me uneasy, but I can't put my finger on it.

As with all new laws concerning the creation of a criminal offence, the real test will be the interpretation of the Courts. However, the potential consequences for someone accused of an offence under this legislation could be severe even prior to conviction and these are powers that the Police will have to take a considered approach in utilising.

The main positive of the Bill, from a personal perspective, is that Hibs fans might get back to singing songs about Hibs. Hopefully that effect becomes the case for all teams in Scotland.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Good question.

I've read it and I can't see any flaws.

I'm honest enough to admit that there is something about the Bill that makes me uneasy, but I can't put my finger on it.

As with all new laws concerning the creation of a criminal offence, the real test will be the interpretation of the Courts. However, the potential consequences for someone accused of an offence under this legislation could be severe even prior to conviction and these are powers that the Police will have to take a considered approach in utilising.

The main positive of the Bill, from a personal perspective, is that Hibs fans might get back to singing songs about Hibs. Hopefully that effect becomes the case for all teams in Scotland.

The main concern is that it is getting dangerously close to impinging on freedom of speech and expression. On top of that these numptys (th bigots) would just love to be taken to court and win their case because they have changed a word here or there - eg Hello hello we are the silly boys etc.