SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 21/08/05

Scottish Socialist Party national convenor Colin Fox today accused the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland of views akin to that of the British National Party and of making remarks that will further justify the wave of racist and Islamophobic violence sweeping the country.

Colin said today;
“It is absolutely astonishing that the Moderator of the Church Of Scotland should choose this moment in time to parrot the racist and Islamophobic language of far right racists like the British National Party when there has been an unprecedented rise in violence and abuse directed at Muslims and black and Asian members of our community.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for an individual in Reverend Lacy’s position to use the language of hate when the current situation facing Muslims and ethnic minorities in our communities is one of violence and abuse.
“The comments of the Moderator will instil fear in Muslims and give succour to those who direct hate and fear towards our Muslim brothers and sisters.
“The Scottish Socialist Party unequivocally condemns the Reverend Lacy’s remarks and I will be seeking a meeting with the Reverend Graham Blount, the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Officer, at the earliest opportunity to convey my grave concerns about the intervention of the Moderator in this volatile situation.”
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