Scottish cardinal decries ‘state-sponsored sectarian’ bigotry of 300-year-old law
Aug 09, 2006
Decrying “state-sponsored sectarian discrimination,” a Scottish cardinal launched an attack on a 300-year-old law and religious bigotry which leaves a blight on the cultural landscape.
GLASGOW, Scotland (Catholic Online, 8/8/2006) – Cardinal Keith O'Brien of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, in remarks to the Glasgow-based Scotland on Sunday published Aug. 6, said Scotland remains afflicted by a “shadowy sectarian culture.
He said that sectarianism is codified in law through the Act of Settlement of 1701, which prevents Roman Catholics or those who marry Catholics from ascending to the throne.
"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,” Cardinal O’Brien said.
He said that sectarianism will continue to thrive until the British constitution is changed to amend the settlement act.
“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."
Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell has spoken out against sectarianism and is reportedly preparing to call a second summit on sectarianism in the fall of 2006, which leaders from the Catholic Church, the Protestant Orange Lodge and others are expected to attend. Other moves by the Scottish government include efforts to reform regulations surrounding marches and imposition of rules against attendance at soccer matches by fans caught singing songs considered sectarian or bigoted.
While endorsing government efforts to eradicate sectarianism, Cardinal O’Brien called upon McConnell 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,” he asked, “when the state in the form of an act of Parliament states that it is right?"
Acknowledging that the Act of Settlement cannot be repealed or replaced by the Scottish Executive or the Scottish Parliament as it is British law, Cardinal O’Brien called upon “all those involved in anti-sectarian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."
Change in the Act of Settlement would have to be ratified by 15 parliaments of the British Commonwealth 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.
Opponents of repeal believe that repeal could lead to a Catholic assuming the throne, and could lead to the disestablishment of the Church of England as the state religion, as the English monarch must swear to defend the faith and be a member of the Anglican Communion.
Scottish National Party Member of Parliament Alex Salmond agreed to support O'Brien's campaign in Parliament, and pressed British Prime Minister Tony Blair to amend the act earlier this year. Blair rejected his call.
British Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor of Westminister urged repeal of the law in June 2002.
The Act of Settlement, he said, "is not so much that it is an act of discrimination against Roman Catholics - which it is - but it seems to me to be discrimination against the royal family."
He said at the time the law needed changing so that Prince William could marry someone of any faith. "I think the future monarch should be able to marry who he wants," he said.
"Talking about Prince William, he can marry by law a Hindu, a Buddhist, anyone, but not a Roman Catholic,” he said. "That seems to me anomalous and I think it should go."
Scottish cardinal decries ‘state-sponsored sectarian’ bigotry of 300-year-old law