Antisectarian

Don't give it, don't take it

Don't give it
The place to start stopping sectarianism is you by not giving it. Don't join in. Don't:

  • Tell jokes or make fun of other people's religion or belief
  • Use language which disrespects someone else's beliefs or might offend them
  • Tease or bully people because they're of a different denomination or faith from you
  • Wear or display things in settings where they might cause offence or be taken to be sectarian
  • Treat someone differently because of their denomination or faith
  • Put up with others doing any of this – you can stop it by speaking out or if you feel you cannot speak out yourself, ask someone else to support you to speak out

Remember the first step is always the hardest. Don't put yourself in danger. If in doubt talk to an adult, teacher, youth worker or the police.

Don't take it
Sectarianism is discrimination and committing a hate crime based on religious discrimination is illegal. You don't have to put up with it. It is not your fault. Do not blame yourself. If you are a victim of sectarianism or religious discrimination, then report it or at least talk to someone else about it.

There are a range of people you could go to. For example,

  • a good friend or a person you trust
  • your teacher/youth worker
  • the police
  • anyone else you think can give you support

What can you do?
Apart from not giving or taking sectarianism there is a lot you can do.

Educate and act against sectarianism
Discrimination and prejudice are often based on ignorance. You can challenge this by being 'in the know'. Find out about your own local and national history, read the context sector on the history of sectarianism, then you'll be able to challenge people's discrimination/prejudice and know when they're talking mince.

Here are some ideas:

Action in School or Youth Club
Discuss with your teacher or youth worker how sectarianism can be addressed by:

  • Holding anti-sectarian workshops
  • Developing an anti-sectarian charter for your school or youth club

Letter writing
You could contact people who you think can help to stop sectarianism. Tell them your concerns and ask them to help stop it or ask what they are doing to stop it. A draft model letter is available here.

  • Local councillor
  • Your local MSP
  • Your local MP
  • Your local MEP
  • Your local Education Department – contact them via your local Council
  • Your local Youth Council – contact them via your local Council
  • Your youth worker
  • Your youth group
  • Your youth organisation
  • Your local sports team/club/association
  • The media, e.g. local newspaper, TV station etc.