Greens Urge Mcconnell to Extend Hate Crime Protection to All Minorities
Mon., June 26, 2006. 11:54.
NUS campaugn launch
Attending the National Union of Students' anti-sectarianism campaign launch today in Glasgow, Greens' Co-convener Robin Harper MSP has appealed for the Executive to not lose sight of the need to protect all minorities from hate crimes.
Today (Mon) Melanie Ward, NUS Scotland President, and the First Minister Jack McConnell will formally launch NUS Scotland's high-profile campaign aimed at tackling sectarianism in Scotland. Greens welcome the initiative and call for all minority groups as recognised under European law, such as the LGBT community, older people and the disabled, to be given protection similar to those who are victims of sectarian crimes.
Today Mr Harper, Rector of Aberdeen University, said, "I congratulate NUS Scotland for taking a stand on sectarianism. It still sets community against community, is dangerous and corrosive. The hate crimes against people on the grounds of their religion are now identified as such in Scots Law - yet we still await similar protection for other minority groups, in particular those suffering from disabilities and members of the LGBT community. These minorities need that protection - and the legislation providing that should be subject to further delay.
"The difference is that there is wrong on both sides in the sectarian divisions that still divide our society. Aggressors become victims and victims become aggressors. The worst excesses in Northern Ireland will hopefully never be repeated but we should still be doing all we can to reduce the endemic and embedded sectarianism in our own society."
Recognising that sectarianism is still an issue that needs to be addressed throughout the country, NUS Scotland’s campaign will reach close to 10 per cent of Scotland’s population, through its membership of almost 500,000 students. ‘Stamp Out Sectarianism’ aims to influence individuals, groups and the communities they live in, contributing to the wider efforts of the Executive and other organisations in addressing sectarianism.
NUS Scotland is to use a range of publicity materials, training events and workshops to advertise the campaign and encourage activism on the issue. Stamp Out Sectarianism posters, beer mats, badges and postcards in college and university campuses across Scotland will publicise the campaign, raising awareness and prompting students to sign up to an online pledge to challenge bigoted behaviour and attitudes.
Students can sign up to the online pledge at stampoutsectarianism.co.uk
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.