Fast Facts

How is religious sectarianism defined?
A narrow-minded following of a particular belief, sect or denomination often leading to prejudice, discrimination, ill-will and malice towards members or presumed members of another belief/sect/denomination.

What religions exist in Scotland?
According to the 2001 Census the following religions are active in Scotland:

Buddhism
Christianity
Hinduism
Judaism
Islam
Sikhism
Jedi
Paganism
Bahá'í
Scientology
Hare Krishna
Brahma Kumaris

Where does sectarianism or religious intolerance occur?
Sectarianism or religious intolerance can occur anywhere in Scotland. Sectarianism within Christianity (Protestant/Catholic issues) appears mainly in the west of Scotland, though it does happen elsewhere in Scotland. Examples of religious intolerance, e.g. Islamophobia, have occurred across Scotland.

Who is involved?
There is no one group in Scotland which is responsible for causing sectarianism or religious intolerance but everyone has a role in stopping it.

How does sectarianism or religious intolerance occur?
Sectarianism and religious intolerance occur in many forms.

At the individual level, it can happen in joke-telling, songs sung and negative or derogatory labels attached to certain faith or belief groups. This can happen in conversation between friends, in school, on the street, in sporting events and in workplaces.

Many people think of sectarianism as name-calling, attacks and violence. This type of sectarianism exists. However, sectarianism does not have to be obvious. It can be quiet but exclusionary, for example, a social club that only favours one faith grouping and not another, or posters being displayed which are offensive to other faith or belief groups.

What happens if you commit a sectarian act?
If you commit a crime motivated by religious prejudice, e.g. sectarianism, then you can be prosecuted for it .You will receive an additional penalty if it is proven that you were motivated by religious prejudice. If you discriminate against someone in employment on grounds of religion you can be sued for religious discrimination.

What happens if you are the victim of a sectarian act?
If you are discriminated against, victimised or attacked because of your religion you should report the incident. If a crime was involved then the person can be prosecuted and will receive an additional penalty if it is proven that the crime was motivated by your religion. If you are discriminated against in employment on the basis of your religion you can raise a grievance with your employer or ultimately sue them for it.

What are the roots or causes of sectarianism or religious intolerance?
The roots of sectarianism and religious intolerance are complex. Often fear, lack of knowledge and misunderstanding can lead to many forms of discrimination, including sectarianism and religious intolerance. Social and economic circumstances can also have an effect on sectarianism.

Why is this significant for Scotland?
The (then) First Minister, Jack McConnell, stated on 18 May 2004:

'Scotland is a great country... But we can be an even better country. Building on our strengths, but dealing with our weaknesses too... Tolerant, open, and welcoming.'

Mr McConnell went on to outline his vision for an anti-sectarian future where

'(People) reject the notion that one tradition, a belief in one faith, leads to a loathing of another are beginning to make a difference. And with our rejection of hatred within a faith we can also speak up for understanding and common cause between faiths.'

The only way to stop sectarianism and religious intolerance is to challenge such intolerance. We need to reject or fight it.