Offensive Behaviour Act heads for repeal as Holyrood opposition unites

Legislation meant to tackle sectarianism at football matches looks likely to be repealed after opposition parties at Holyrood confirmed their united opposition to it, The Herald reports.

The Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 targets “threatening, hateful or otherwise offensive” singing or chanting at or around games.

James Kelly, a Labour MSP, has now launched a proposal for its repeal. So long as he can garner enough opposition support the SNP will be unable to defeat the attempt.

The Conservatives’ justice spokesman, Douglas Ross, said he was “keen to work with all parties to get rid of this ridiculous legislation” while his opposite number for the Liberal Democrats, Liam McArthur, said the “kneejerk” law should now be sent for an “early bath”.

As for the Greens, justice spokesman John Finnie was less strident, saying parts of the act could be saved.

However, a part insider said only significant rewriting of the legislation would satisfy the Greens, adding: “We are willing to retain aspects of the act and speak to the SNP. But if it looks like the only way to repeal it and address our concerns is to support James Kelly, it is likely we will do that.”

Those found guilty under the law face up to five years’ imprisonment.

Mr Kelly, who has launched a website and campaign for repeal of the act said it was “bulldozed” through the Parliament and that it “needlessly criminalised football fans and has done nothing to tackle sectarianism”.

The Scottish government said it was “willing to discuss how any legitimate concerns about the act can be addressed”.

A spokeswoman added: “The act sends out a clear message that Scotland will not tolerate hate crime – and it gives prosecutors an additional tool to tackle this behaviour.”