I am very pleased to support the “No Racism: Protecting Rights, Defending Communities” Anti-Racism March and Rally 2016.
Scotland is a diverse country, and cultural attitudes have created a climate where diversity is increasingly recognised, accepted, celebrated. Individuals and communities are becoming more comfortable in demonstrating their multifaceted identities.
The outcome of the EU Referendum has caused understandable anxiety within the EU community, and I am alert to the fact that our communities are feeling more vulnerable. Let me be clear there is no place for any form of racist or religious prejudice in modern Scotland and it will not be tolerated.
We have made it crystal clear that the 181,000 EU nationals who have chosen to make their home here in Scotland are welcome and their contribution is valued. We will continue to press the UK Government to guarantee the residency status of fellow EU nationals who have made Scotland their home.
The Scottish Government is committed to tackling hate crime and we will continue to work with communities to create a Scotland which celebrates diversity and creates equality of opportunity for everyone.
We have established a strong framework and enforcement of legislation, including tackling antisocial behaviour; threatening or abusive behaviour and racially aggravated harassment. We have published a Race Equality Framework which will run until 2030 to take a long term approach towards improving outcomes for Scotland’s ethnic minority communities.
This event is an important reminder of the need to be vigilant about the threat racism poses to our communities and I commend the STUC and their partners for the leadership they have shown on this vital issue for many years I would like to send my best wishes to everyone taking part.
Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister
For details of the St Andrew's Day Anti-Racism March see the STUC Website or the St Andrew's Day Facebook Page
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