18/10/2010

Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'

An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.

Backed by the Ulster Council of the GAA, the Irish Football Association and the ice hockey team, the Belfast Giants, First Minister Peter Robinson of the DUP said: "The Unite Against Hate campaign promises to give a voice to the often silent majority and enable them to express their opposition to hate and intolerance in our communities and to act on that.

"We want to spell out our clear condemnation of all hate crime attacks and abuse. Hate crime is totally unacceptable and has no place in our society."

Sinn Fein Junior Minister Gerry Kelly added: "We can start educating our children and young people to respect diversity, to take part in all sports in a safe and secure environment.

"Sport and games are a vital expression of cultural identity, and they can provide a unifying arena where we can celebrate and commiserate in the shared emotion of a unifying cause."

(BMcC/GK)

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