Scottish Catholic Observer

The move follows a parliamentary debate which took place on Thursday September 19, where politicians considered a petition to better protect all places of worship in the UK.

The petition, launched by Puneet Dwivedi, called on the Scottish Parliament to ‘urge the Scottish Government to address increasing levels of hate crime in Scotland by providing security funding similar to that in place in England and Wales.’

Security scheme

In England and Wales, places of worship can receive grants through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme, which pays for security cameras and other devices in an attempt to stop hate attacks on their buildings.

The Scottish Government has stated that hate crime is unacceptable and is committed to working with Police Scotland and others to safeguard all communities, vulnerable people and sites.

Catholics make up the majority of victims of religiously aggravated offending in Scotland. There were four assaults on Scottish priests in 2018, and a number of attacks on churches in 2019.

‘Unacceptable’

Ahead of the parliamentary session, committee convener Johann Lamont MSP said: “All MSPs agree that hate crime is unacceptable, and would be interested in ways we can stamp it out.

“This petition raises an interesting angle to perhaps preventing some hate crimes, and ensuring that potentially vulnerable places are as safe as possible.”

The petitioner sent evidence to the parliament to consider, which in turn has been shown to the Scottish Government which has yet to make a decision.

A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed they are in the early stages of establishing what can be done to help places of worship.

Government action

The spokesperson said: “Any form of hate crime or prejudice is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to working with Police Scotland and others to safeguard all communities.

“Ministers are exploring what more could be done for all Faith communities and their places of worship, including the issues around safety and security.

“The justice secretary attended a meeting with stakeholders to discuss this and will provide an update in due course. We would encourage organisations with concerns about security or safety to contact Police Scotland.”