Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar reveals racist and Islamophic comments from within Scottish Labour
He says the comments cannot be dismissed as 'pub banter'
Last updated 29th Jan 2018
A Labour councillor told Glasgow Labour MSP Anas Sarwar he could not back him in the Scottish party leadership contest because Scotland was not ready for a brown, Muslim P***''.
Another Labour member told the MSP she could not support his leadership bid after she saw a picture of his wife wearing a hijab.
The MSP does not believe he lost due to his ethnic background but has spoken out to raise awareness about racism and Islamophobia.
Another Labour member told him she could not support his bid after seeing a picture of his wife Furheen wearing a hijab.
He told our Political Correspondent Alan Smith: "I've had Islamophobic comments made to me, I've heard comments like 'I know you say you're Scottish, but...' and I've had comments made about my wife and the attire she chooses to wear
"I've heard first hand from friends, family and constituents about their fears of Islamophobia and the difference that Islamophobia has made to their life chances and their life outcomes and that's why I want that to be challenged head-on.
"I don't think anyone can use the excuse of 'pub banter'. I not sure which kind of pubs this person occupies if that's the kind of banter which takes place. We have a duty to conduct ourselves in a manner that promotes the values of equality, fairness, justice, and recognises that we're all equal as citizens and humans first
"We have to accept there's everyday racism, there's everyday homophobia, there's everyday sexism and in just the same way, sadly, there is everyday Islamophobia and that has to be challenged, it has to be rooted out. People who have consciously biased views must be challenged head-on and those who have unconsciously biased views we need to make sure they become conscious to them so they can challenge themselves."
Mr Sarwar said that in general people in Scottish society see past an individual's faith, colour and country of origin.
Mr Sarwar said it was not just an issue for the Labour party but said that the party should hold itself to a higher standard.
Mr Sarwar lost out to Richard Leonard in last autumn's leadership contest which was sparked by the resignation of Kezia Dugdale.
The former Scottish labour deputy leader will on Tuesday launch a Scottish Parliament cross-party group on tackling Islamophobia.
Other politicians have supported Mr Sarwar for speaking out, with Transport Minister Humza Yousaf MSP tweeting: "Utterly shocking. Sorry to hear @AnasSarwar and his wife Furheen had to ensure this."