The Scottish Government were slammed yesterday as Salmond’s Law came under further scrutiny as the Justice Committee picked through the legislation.
Following the so-called ‘shame game’ between Celtic and Rangers earlier this year the SNP have attempted to push through fresh legislation that seems very ill thought out and designed and likely to cause confusion rather than tackle an issue.
Many public figures believe that applying existing legislation can deal with any problems but the SNP government seem determined to push through their legislation regardless of what is discussed by the Justice Committee.
With an independence referendum on the horizon it seems that First Minister Alex Salmond wants to put his mark on the statute book rather than ditch his ‘baby’ and beef up the application of existing legislation.
The message coming out from the Justice Committee so far suggests that blessing yourself or singing the national anthem could become an offence with no clear definition possible for what constitutes offensive behaviour or who would be a resonable person.
Roseanna Cunnigham, going under the cringeworthy title of Community Safety Minister, claimed: “Football fans are particularly worried about gaining a criminal record and being banned from watching football.
“But criminal records of these bigots should say exactly what their offending is, so employers, families and friends know the truth about the individual.”
“It’s part and parcel of a much wider focus we want to have on sectarianism as a whole. The atmosphere described by a sheriff (at the trial of Hearts thug John Wilson) as vicious and poisonous is not something we want to have in Scotland.”
Both the Labour party and the Tories rallied on the vague nature of the ill thought out legislation which the SNP seem intent on establishing.
Labour Justice spokesman James Kelly said: “Despite yet another shambolic appearance from the SNP minister responsible for this legislation, confusion continues to reign as to what would be a crime under the new laws.
“Despite the proposed new law being called the Offensive Behaviour at Football Bill, the minister told us today that the Bill wouldn’t make offensive behaviour at a football match a crime. The mind boggles.
“Fans need to know where they stand and exactly what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour.
“Unfortunately after today’s evidence session we are left no further forward. There more questions than answers.”
Tory Justice spokesman John Lamont added: “The SNP Government is all over the place. They have had all summer to bring forward watertight guidelines which would make sense to football fans, yet many questions have still not been answered.”
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It could be the best legislation in the world and those unionist clowns would still criticise it.
At least Salmond and the SNP are making an effort. What did Labour do in their 8 years? Other than a few wee talks from Jack McConnell. HEHAW!!
And what have the Tories ever said? HEHAW! Why not get their boss in London to say something about it?
Gon yerself Salmond. Nothing in this world is perfect but I bet you do more now that any previous office in the UK has ever done to deal with it.
ROLL ON INDEPENDENCE!
I take offense of the above, please arrest that person!