We can learn a lot from the Irish in tackling our own Scottish sectarianism

Donald Gorrie, MSP

"I will be listening to well-informed people who will tell me about their experiences of sectarianism and their suggestions for how we should tackle it," said Mr Gorrie, MSP for Central Scotland.

The Bill, which has received enough backing at Holyrood, proposes to make sectarian behaviour an aggravation of a criminal offence, and to create a code of conduct on tackling sectarian behaviour.

Consultation process

Mr Gorrie said the need for such a Bill had been underlined by recent attacks on mosques and Muslims in the wake of terrorist attacks on America.

He added: "Although there are many differences between Scotland and Northern Ireland, sectarianism has a common historical basis.

Donald Gorrie: Visit to Belfast

"It involves many of the same activists on both sides who shuttle between Belfast and Glasgow.

"So we can learn a lot from the Irish in tackling our own Scottish sectarianism."

Mr Gorrie's visit is part of the consultation process required before the Bill is put before parliament.

The MSP said he would be circulating a formal consultation document to many groups in Scotland in the next fortnight.

Mr Gorrie has previously claimed that his proposals to outlaw sectarianism in Scotland had been "largely adopted" by Westminster.

He made the claim after home secretary David Blunkett announced plans to widen the law on incitement to include religious as well as racial hatred.

There have been efforts to end sectarianism in Scotland

The Scottish Executive says there "might be merit" in making sectarianism an offence and has agreed to look at the backbencher's proposals.

A spokeswoman for the executive said: "When the Bill is available, we will listen to the debate and consider arguments in relation to it before reaching conclusions about whether to support it."

Mr Gorrie says existing laws are strong against racial harassment, but do not mention sectarian or religious harassment.

He hopes the Bill will be drawn up, introduced to parliament and placed before a committee for stage one consideration by September 2002.