Alex Salmond’s controversial attempt to bring in legislation aimed at criminalising offensive behavior is facing increasing resistance.
The publicity hungry First Minister decided to push for new legislation on the back of Celtic’s 1-0 Scottish Cup victory over Rangers last season that saw three Ibrox players sent off.
The first draft of the bill, which could have criminalised making the sign of the cross or singing the national anthem was quickly binned with a further draft proving equally unsatisfactory.
Defining what ‘a reasonable person’ would find offensive has proved problematic with Professor Tom Devine, amongst others, exposing the flaws in the legislation.
During an exchange last week Christine Graeme, Convener of the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament, who are proposing the bill, suggested that the new legislation would help to even up the numbers of Celtic supporters being convicted with Rangers fans.
There has been growing concerns about the performance of the justice committee with the Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland, due to meet MSP’s over the confusions that have come to the fore.
Mulholland is due to produce guidelines for police and prosecutors to follow with concerns growing about the inadaquacy and confusion coming from the bill
The committee’s deputy convener James Kelly admitted: “Despite these draft guidelines, confusion reigns as what would be a crime under the new Bill.
“The Lord Advocate and the SNP Government still have some way to go in producing guidelines and legislation which will be fit for purpose and have the confidence of police, prosecutors and supporters.”
Christine Graeme’s comments can be heard at www.holyrood.tv ( go to 2hr and 59 seconds and listen for about 4-5 minutes).
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Only in Scotland would we have government officials trying to draft laws to arrest Celtic supporters.
Independence I hope not with these clowns in charge.
There are sectarian laws already there makes you wonder why they won’t use them or does it.
Best small country in the world don’t think so.