A DUMBARTON councillor is calling for a new effort to stamp out racist and sectarian abuse across the area.

Karen Conaghan will put a motion to a full West Dunbartonshire Council meeting on June 23 saying hateful attitudes are “not being adequately called out or tackled”.

Cllr Conaghan, who is also depute provost, said she particularly wanted to see and end to anti-Irish and anti-Catholic behaviour.

The councillor told the Reporter: “Over the past few years a number of people have approached me about the issue of anti-Irish racism and anti-Catholic behaviour.

“I feel strongly that although there is often condemnatory language, nothing is really being done to move the conversation on in how we tackle this issue which is sadly too prevalent in Scotland.

“No-one should have to pass walls spray painted with graffiti calling for people of their faith and background to be killed.

“We should not being hearing of people urinating on our places of worship, nor our religious leaders being spat upon.

“I believe Scotland is better than this hateful behaviour and it’s time we tackled the issue openly.”

The motion to council calls for a report to be prepared on what education is being taken in schools on the subject, the issue of routing of marches, and for both the local SNP and Labour leaders to write to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the justice secretary calling for urgent action.

Cllr Conaghan said she hoped all councillors would back the motion.

It reads: “Scotland is an increasingly diverse and multi-cultural society where all of its peoples should expect to be treated with equal respect whatever their background, ethnicity, heritage and beliefs.

“Sadly anti-Catholic and anti-Irish discrimination appears to be an area which is not being adequately called out or tackled.

"Sectarianism is a blight on our society and the time is long overdue to tackle this.

“Accordingly this council condemns all such hateful attacks, whether verbal or physical, whether against people or property.”

It continues: “Council asks that a report be brought to the next meeting of council on what education we offer within our schools on this issue, and on what policies and procedures we have for our staff to protect them and our citizens from sectarian behaviour.

“A report around the issues surrounding all marches is also requested, with particular regard to their routing.

“Council calls upon Councillor [Jonathan] McColl, leader of the council, together with Councillor [Martin] Rooney, leader of the opposition to write to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the cabinet secretary for justice, Keith Brown, asking them to address this issue at a national level within the Scottish Parliament urgently.”