A Scottish Conservative councillor has apologised after having suggested Scottish Tories be recognised as an “ethnic and minority group”.
He made the comment as Perth and Kinross Council met to approve two separate motions to tackle anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Cllr Crawford Reid suggested it be widened to include “other ethnic and minority groups,” including Scottish Tories.
Addressing the November 9 hybrid meeting of Perth and Kinross Council remotely, the Strathallan councillor told the chamber: “I’m obviously very happy to support both these motions. But perhaps the discussion should be widened to consider all ethnic and minority groups – including groups such as Sikhs, Hindus and, dare I say it, Scottish Tories.”
Councillor Crawford Reid’s comments were met with a stunned silence.
Provost Xander McDade (inset), who was convening the meeting, responded: “I’m not sure that was entirely appropriate Cllr Reid.”
Provost McDade then moved the discussion swiftly on.
Later in the meeting – just before councillors broke for lunch – Cllr Reid apologised to the chamber.
The Conservative councillor said: “If my earlier comments on condemning abuse were deemed inappropriate I do apologise to the chamber. I certainly do not mean to minimise or detract from the importance of both motions earlier today and I do apologise for any inappropriateness.”
Earlier, councillors had unanimously approved both motions tabled by Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett. The motions called on Perth and Kinross Council to adopt definitions of both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett said adopting definitions of both terms were “essential” to tackling both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic behaviour in a “targeted and effective manner”.
Cllr Barrett – who is PKC’s equalities lead – said he hoped it would make Perth and Kinross a “fairer and more inclusive place”.
Seconding the anti-Semitism motion, SNP councillor Ken Harvey described it as a “scourge” on the Jewish community and happening within Perth and Kinross.
Cllr Harvey said: “We like to pretend in Scotland that anti-Semitic speech and actions don’t exist, that we are better than that and that there is no need to further discuss or comment on it. However, in the last few months, I’ve heard comments that would be construed as anti-Semitic under the definition contained within this motion from people from either ignorance or design, including easily identifiable dog whistle anti-Semitism. I have heard such comments both within the county and in wider parts of Scotland.”
Perth City North councillor Ian Massie seconded the Islamophobia motion.
The SNP councillor told the chamber: “We must all stand up to Islamophobia and be prepared to condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.
“Nobody should have to live in fear that their faith, ethnicity or any other identities will make them the target of violence. Let’s stand together with our Muslim colleagues and friends to root out Islamophobia wherever it exists.”
Both motions were unanimously approved.
Conservative Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Bob Brawn said: “You cannot build a society based on hate.
“Today we have done something and we have not looked the other way.”
