|TOP|Scottish parliamentarians have been urged to hold talks on how to combat the persistent problem of sectarianism and bigotry in Scotland.

Bill Butler, MSP for Anniesland in Glasgow, has tabled a motion calling on his fellow parliamentarians to hold the country’s first debate on the issue.

The motion comes after Butler discovered that the Scottish Parliament had never had a debate to tackle what First Minister Jack McConnell dubbed Scotland’s “secret shame”, reports the Glasgow Evening Times.

"We can't shy away from sectarianism,” said Mr Butler, whose motion has gained support from across the major parties.

|AD|"If I am able to secure this debate then it will give all MSPs the opportunity to send out the message that sectarian behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Glasgow City Council also won the praise of Butler for its successful Sense over Sectarianism campaign. He went on to commend the efforts of anti-sectarian charities such as Nil By Mouth, churches and community groups and the Scottish Executive for taking a stand against sectarianism.

Scotland’s sectarian problem was thrown into the spotlight recently following the decision of Europe’s footballing body Uefa not to fine Scottish Premier League team Rangers for the sectarian chanting of its fans during matches against Spanish side Villa Real.

The chanting included insults to the Pope and also the notorious anti-Catholic ‘Billy Boys’ song which includes the line, “up to our knees in Fenian blood”.

The Archbishop of Glasgow, Mario Conti, condemned the footballing body’s decision last month calling it “unhelpful” and warning that Uefa appeared “to give up on Scotland as a hopelessly sectarian society”.

Archbishop Conti also warned that the position of Uefa may “inadvertently give encouragement to the bigots”.