Plans to stamp out the sale of sectarian memorabilia outside football grounds have been supported by Glasgow City Council's licensing committee.

If finally approved, the proposals would mean stall-holders only being allowed to sell items within designated zones on condition they did not have political, racial, religious or sectarian content.

The committee is to set up a working group and traders will be consulted, along with football clubs.

This is part of efforts to rid the city of the blight of sectarianism Christine Devine Committee convener

The plans are part of an attempt to curb sectarianism in Scotland and follow last week's announcement of 12 recommendations that could lead to new legislation.

Scarves, T-shirts and even baby bibs with slogans referring to the Irish troubles have been seen for sale outside Ibrox and Parkhead, the respective homes of Rangers and Celtic.

The proposed revised licensing terms will also cover vendors trading in counterfeit football goods and items which breach copyright.

Baillie Christine Devine, licensing committee convener, said: "This is part of efforts to rid the city of the blight of sectarianism.

'Months of monitoring'

"We would hope that when it goes to consultation, the traders will support it.

"The proposals to revise the street traders licences have followed months of monitoring and talks with licensing officials and police, trading standards and Celtic and Ranger football clubs."

The 12 recommendations include calls for better communications between police, the Crown Office, and football clubs.

The justice committee endorsed the plan

Also on Wednesday, the Scottish Parliament's justice committee supported plans to change the law to introduce tougher penalties for offences motivated by sectarian hatred.

MSPs appeared at one point to be ready to reject the proposals by Liberal Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie.

They said they faced a dilemma after hearing conflicting evidence.

Police and sheriffs argued that the law did not need amending. But the solicitor general and anti-sectarian groups were in favour of change because it would send out an historic signal that religious prejudice would not be tolerated.

Deputy Social Justice Minister Hugh Henry said the Scottish Executive backed the amendment and would introduce its own if it was rejected by the committee.

Bishops' statement

The proposals - which the committee backed after a vote - are likely to be considered further by the full parliament at a later stage.

A separate amendment, attempting to widen Mr Gorrie's proposal to cover disability, sexual orientation, gender and age, was withdrawn by Green MSP Robin Harper.

He conceded he had failed to win clear support for the move, but promised to reintroduce it at Stage Three of the bill's progress.

As a church, we abhor bigotry and sectarianism wherever they are found Scotland's Catholic bishops

Meanwhile, Scotland's Catholic bishops have restated their "strong backing" for denominational schools.

"It is with increasing alarm that we have witnessed the recent negative media coverage of denominational education," they said in a statement.

"We are dismayed and angered by attempts to link the existence of Catholic schools to sectarianism in society.

"As a church, we abhor bigotry and sectarianism wherever they are found.

Holyrood elections

"We continue to work tirelessly with people of all faiths to promote dialogue and tolerance.

"Under no circumstances can we accept the assertion that denominational schools promote or perpetuate bigotry."

The bishops are urging Catholics to make their support for denominational schools known to candidates for next year's Holyrood elections.

However, First Minister Jack McConnell said there was no threat to Catholic schools.