Football Act repeal clears parliamentary hurdle
A repeal of controversial legislation to tackle sectarianism at football has moved a step closer following consideration by a Holyrood committee.
Members of the Justice Committee examined proposed changes to a member's bill by Labour's James Kelly to scrap the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act.
Two Scottish Government amendments to delay the repeal were voted down by six to five.
My Bill to repeal the Football Act passed Stage 2 this morning, meaning that it's now only a matter of weeks before this discredited law is taken off the books. pic.twitter.com/bW5eVjcQ7P
-- James Kelly MSP (@JamesKellyLab) February 27, 2018
Mr Kelly said: "This is another big step forward for the campaign to scrap the Football Act.
"Now that the SNP's last-ditch attempt to buy injury time has failed, it looks like it'll only be matter of weeks until this discredited law is taken off the books.
"Ministers now need to start investing in anti-sectarianism projects and accept that the failed Football Act is set for repeal."
Committee consideration marks stage two of the political process and follows opposition MSPs joining together to defeat the government in a vote last month, backing the general principles of the repeal legislation.
The bill will now go before all MSPs for a final vote.
Stage 2 complete for the Repeal Bill of the dreaded Offensive Behaviour at Football Act. We are in the home stretch, let's keep the pressure up and see this over the line.
-- FAC (@FACKilltheBill) February 27, 2018
The Act was introduced by the majority SNP government in the last parliament in the face of opposition from all other parties.
Since coming into force it has faced criticism from football fans and the legal profession but the Scottish Government believes repeal could lead to minority communities feeling open to abuse.