Cardinal attacks 'state-sponsored' sectarianism
Aug 08, 2006
Cardinal Keith O'Brien has claimed the British state promotes "state-sponsored sectarian discrimination" in his most outspoken attack yet against bigotry.
(Scotland of Sunday, 6 Aug 2006) The leader of Scotland's Roman Catholic community said Scotland remains afflicted by a "shadowy sectarian culture" which continues to blight many parts of the country.
Speaking to Scotland on Sunday, he launched a fresh attack against the Act of Settlement, the 300-year old law which prevents Roman Catholics or those who marry Catholics from ascending to the throne
O'Brien's comments come on the seventh anniversary of the explosive speech by Scots Catholic composer James MacMillan who claimed in 1999 that sectarianism remained "Scotland's shame". Writing in Scotland on Sunday today, MacMillan claims that while the matter has improved since his lecture, anti-Catholic feeling still lingers under the surface across the country.
However, O'Brien says that until the British constitution is changed to amend the Act of Settlement, sectarianism will always thrive. He said: "Our constitution contains legislation which describes my faith as 'the popish religion' and defines me and my co-religionists as 'papists'. That this arcanely offensive language enjoys legal sanction is outrageous. Anyone who seriously believes that introducing legislation aimed at eradicating sectarian attacks, which are often verbal, while elements of the very lexicon of hate they seek to abolish remain on our statute books is indulging in wilful ignorance."
The comments will be seen as a thinly-veiled warning to Jack McConnell who has attempted to raise the issue of sectarianism while staying out of the row over the Act of Settlement.
O'Brien said he "endorsed" the First Minister's bid to eradicate sectarianism, but called on him to use his influence to bring about a change in the law. "How can the State in the form of the Scottish Executive claim that religious discrimination is wrong, when the State in the form of an act of Parliament states that it is right?" he said.
"Clearly, the Act of Settlement cannot be repealed or replaced by the Scottish Executive or the Scottish Parliament. It is a matter reserved to Westminster. I accept that. I do, however, implore all those involved in anti-sectarian initiatives, at every level to accept and acknowledge that this legislation constitutes a blight on their efforts and its repeal would dramatically improve the prospects of their work bearing fruit."
O'Brien's comments come with McConnell preparing to call a second summit on sectarianism in the autumn which leaders from the Catholic Church, Orange Lodge and others are expected to attend.
Labour ministers at Holyrood and Westminster admit that the law is an anachronism, but have previously argued against reform, pointing to the enormous legislative complexities involved in revoking it.
McConnell is understood to
believe that the issue is 'insignificant' compared to the pressing need to reduce sectarian incidents on Scotland's streets.
But the issue has been given added political consequence after SNP Alex Salmond agreed to support O'Brien's campaign in Parliament. He pressed Tony Blair to amend the act earlier this year, but the Prime Minister rejected his call.
While politicians of all parties agree it should be scrapped, any change would have to be ratified by 15 Commonwealth parliaments and would require amendments to at least eight separate acts stretching as far back as 1688, and including the Union with Scotland Act of 1706.
A spokesman for the Scottish Executive confirmed that ministers would be focusing their energies on an "action plan" to combat sectarianism. So far this has included moves to modernise the way marches are handled by local authorities, and imposition of Football Banning Orders on sectarian fans, preventing them from attending matches if they are caught singing bigoted songs.
O'Brien last night received some backing for his stance from the Church of Scotland.
A Kirk spokesman said: "As far as the act is concerned we would not be particularly sorry to see it go. It's legislation for another age."
Cardinal attacks 'state-sponsored' sectarianism