Democracies have to walk a fine line between protecting civil liberties and public safety.
Organisations holding unpalatable views have a right to protest and other members of the public are entitled to object.
Whether that right should be extended to any organisation supporting those who would cause harm to the people of Scotland is another thing.
In the light of the disgraceful events in Govan last week, the authorities have made all the right noises by condemning sectarian thugs on both sides.
Ordinary people were left terrified as bigots showed their true colours by bringing violence to the streets.
The shocking scenes we reported on last week do not belong in Scotland.
And they have sparked fears that two marches due to take place tomorrow have the potential for further trouble.
It is encouraging the Scottish Government is looking at ways in which the law can be used to tackle this blight on our society.
It is not a matter for cheap political point-scoring, which is what Tory MSP Annie Wells’s intervention at FMQs amounted to yesterday.
All politicians should realise what is at stake and send out a united message – the bigots will not win.
But firstly, let’s hope sense prevails and tomorrow’s parades proceed with the minimum of public disruption.
A step forward
It is welcome there are moves to make suicide prevention education mandatory in Scottish schools.
The alarming number of young people dealing with mental health issues continues to cause serious concern.
Too many can’t cope and the tragic outcome is that some choose to take their own lives.
As a society, we must do all we can to help young people and that starts in school, where children can be placed under enormous pressure.
Parliament backing suicide awareness teaching in the classroom is a tremendous step forward.
All young people deserve the best possible start in life and this initiative will show their mental health is being taken seriously.
A Nessie solution
Researchers say that the legend of the Loch Ness monster was probably started by sightings of giant eels.
That could explain why Nessie has been a slippery character over the years.
But we like to think the monster isn’t seen that much because it’s just really good at hiding.
