Sectarianism remains a significant force in society, according to a group set up to advise the Scottish Government.
But the problem has “had its day” with a large groundswell of people tired of “worn-out rhetoric”, the independent group concludes.
A report to SNP ministers explores the largely Catholic-Protestant tensions, making recommendations about how to address the problem.
Civic leaders need to step up efforts and challenge the friendly indulgence of sectarian “banter”, according to the group.
It also looked at schools, concluding: “We do not believe that sectarianism stems from, or is the responsibility of, denominational schooling, or, specifically, Catholic schools, nor that sectarianism would be eradicated by closing such institutions.”
The report warns it is impossible to ignore the fact that sectarianism exists at “many levels” in Scottish football and calls for sanctions along the lines of Uefa’s anti-racism guidelines.
The right to political cultural expression in marches and parades is not “absolute” and should be enjoyed with regard to the impact they have on others in the community, the report states.
There is no need to change or update existing legislation, the group told ministers, but laws on equality and hate crime should be applied to sectarianism.
Dr Duncan Morrow, who led the group, said: “Our report suggests that sectarianism has left scars on many aspects of Scottish society. But the group has been left in no doubt that Scotland has had enough of any lingering impact and wants change.”
Community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham said the group will continue its work until March 2015.
“It is a challenging report for all of us all across Scottish society Government, local authorities, community organisations, clubs and fans alike – and we have a duty to consider its recommendations carefully,” she said.
“We should acknowledge that the football authorities and individual clubs in Scotland already do very good work in terms of promoting zero tolerance of sectarianism or any other form of bigotry and we will continue to work with them to maintain this.”