NEWS RELEASE Wednesday 26th May 2004
Scottish Workers Reject Racism The Scottish Trade Unions Congress today expressed its concerns at the rise in the politics of racism and fascism in Scotland. The STUC pledged to support workers who are required as part of their job to distribute any materials from the avowedly racist British National Party.
STUC General Secretary Bill Speirs said: "It is understandable that postal workers, journalists and television production staff are concerned that they may be asked to distribute election literature, interview candidates, or air party election broadcasts from a party that openly rejects diversity and multiculturalism, promotes hatred and misinformation, and divides communities".
"There is a fine line between freedom of speech and how we deal with people whose statements, leaflets and broadcasts actually infringe on the rights of others. The STUC is encouraging anyone who is offended by a party election broadcast or literature that they receive through their letter box to report this to the police."
"The STUC is also urging people to use their vote in the European Parliament Elections to vote for parties that do not aim to divide Scotland, and that accept that we live in a diverse and multicultural nation, where everyone can contribute whatever their colour, race, gender, sexuality or nationality."
ENDS
For further details contact: David Moxham Mary Senior
Note to editors
On the morning of Monday 7th June, just three days before the Press event: European election, the STUC will bring together Scotland's mainstream political parties, trade unions, religious and faith communities, statutory bodies, and civic and community organisations to make a clear statement that Scotland rejects racism. Further details of the event will be released in due course.