Anti-sectarianism law could be scrapped: but should it?
Should the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act be scrapped?
- Yes
- 103
- No
- 98
The days of a controversial law aimed at stamping out sectarianism could be numbered as MSPs look set to kill off the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act (OBFA).
All opposition parties at Holyrood want to see the end of the legislation – and moves are afoot to scrap it.
With the SNP no longer commanding a majority in the Scottish Parliament, Labour MSP James Kelly is bringing forward a members bill which could see the law struck.
Although aimed at combating sectarianism, many argue that it has instead criminalised football fans and critics have said it was a piece of unnecessary, rushed law making, saying that offenses could be dealt with under existing legislation.
However, following the recent cup final disturbances at Hampden park, SNP MSP John Mason has lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament stating it would be inappropriate to scrap the OBFA.
It is an issue which has drawn a lot of heat – and opposition to it has uniquely united traditionally divided football fans.
This why we’re asking: should the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act be scrapped?
