Sectarianism has plagued Scotland for centuries. Since Nil by Mouth was founded in 2000, considerable progress has been made to challenge this prejudice…

Employment Law - Until 2003 it was perfectly legal for employers in Scotland to discriminate on grounds of religion. Many people had suffered from this lack of protection by being rejected for jobs and promotions, paid unfair wages and targeted by abuse from colleagues. The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations introduced in 2003 seek to bring an end to these injustices

Sectarian Crime - In 2003 sectarianism became what is commonly known as a 'hate crime' under Scottish law. Anyone who commits an offence such as an assault, murder, or breach of the peace is likely to be given a stiffer sentence if the act was motivated by religious hatred - just as it would be with racial hatred.

The change in law, supported by Nil By Mouth, was enacted in Section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 by an amendment from Donald Gorrie, the Liberal Democrat MSP for Central Scotland. A 2006 Crown Office report on the use of this legislation is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/11/24133659/0

Policy on Parades - Organisers of Orange Order walks and Republican parades signed up to an agreement in 2005 with Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police to work together to reduce public disorder at these events. The policy aims to ensure that people who attend public processions do not indulge in abusive sectarian behaviour. The document can be viewed at www.glasgow.gov.uk

Old Firm Initiatives - Rangers and Celtic football clubs have both launched projects to tackle sectarian attitudes and behaviour amongst their supporters. The Glasgow clubs' campaigns educate young people about the problems of prejudice and encourage fans to support their team without indulging in sectarian behaviour. More information can be found on the clubs' websites.

Scottish Government Action Plan - The Scottish Executive in 2006 launched an 18-Point Action Plan on Tackling Sectarianism in Scotland. The strategy focuses on a wide range of areas including education, research, football and churches. The plan can be viewed at www.scotland.gov.uk

Popular Support - Perhaps the most crucial achievement of all is that the wall of fear and silence surrounding sectarianism which confronted Cara when she launched Nil By Mouth is steadily being eroded. Many people are gaining the courage to debate the issue with each other in streets, homes, pubs and workplaces across Scotland. Many schools and community groups have joined the campaign and are running their own initiatives to challenge sectarianism. More individuals are gaining the courage to speak out against bigotry and stand up for their belief in a more tolerant society. This has helped to put the issue firmly in the media spotlight and on the agenda of politicians and organisations with the power and resources to help rid Scotland of religious hatred.

But there is still much work to be done. Nil By Mouth's campaign continues…