Prejudice Put Down to 'Ignorance'

December 11, 2007

Author: John Knox

Source: BB CNews

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7138538.stm

Nearly a third of Scots think there is sometimes good reason to be prejudiced against minority groups and, while there's more tolerance for disabled people and gay people, prejudice against Muslims is on the increase.

The findings, from the latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey by the government, were described by Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell as "disappointing and worrying".

The survey asked more than 1,500 people across Scotland whether we should do everything we can to get rid of prejudice.

A total of 65% said yes - but 29% said it was sometimes OK to discriminate.

They were given various scenarios, such as marriage or the appointment of a primary school teacher.

Half said Scotland would lose its identity if more Muslims went to live there, up from 38% in the last survey in 2003.