Question reference: S6W-03293
- Asked by: Anas Sarwar, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 October 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the report of the public inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland, whether it will commit to instigating an independent review into Islamophobia in Scotland and, if so, within what timetable.
Answer
The Scottish Government unequivocally condemns any form of hatred or prejudice, including towards our Muslim communities. Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural society and this diversity strengthens us as a nation. That is why we are determined to tackle all forms of prejudice and discrimination.
In June 2017, we published our Tackling Prejudice and Building Connected Communities Action Plan in response to recommendations made by the Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime, Prejudice and Community Cohesion. We established a ministerial-led group to take this ambitious action plan forward. A report on implementation of these actions will be published and we will begin development of a new hate crime strategy in conjunction with key partners and stakeholders later this year. The new strategy will support implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.
It is in all of our interests to eliminate prejudice in Scotland, regardless of race or religion, and we would like to reiterate our commitment to working collaboratively with you and the Cross Party Group on Islamophobia to do so, including offering engagement on the range of issues highlighted within the report of the public enquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland.