Alex Salmond has likened sectarianism to a parasite in football Plans for a tough crackdown on sectarianism are being put before the first meeting of the new Scottish cabinet later.
New legislation would see the maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes rise from six months to five years.
And online postings expressing religious hatred or death threats would also become an indictable offence.
The SNP has made the issue a priority, and wants new laws in place for the start of the football season in July.
The move comes in the wake of several high-profile football-related incidents, and First Minister Alex Salmond has spoken of sectarianism as a “parasite” which must be “eradicated”.
Two men have appeared in court after suspected bombs were sent to Celtic manager Neil Lennon and two other high-profile supporters of the club in March.
Another man was charged with breach of the peace and assault, both aggravated by religious prejudice, after an alleged attack on Celtic manager Neil Lennon at a football game on 11 May.
Unacceptable online behaviour, including posts on sites like Facebook and Twitter, to become indictable offence with a maximum punishment of five years in jail.
Threatening and abusive behaviour inside football grounds would also become indictable, again with prison sentences of up to five years.
The maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes is currently six months.
An ill-tempered Celtic-Rangers cup game in March, which saw players sent off and touch-line and tunnel confrontations, as well as 34 arrests inside the stadium, resulted in a summit on the issue, organised by Mr Salmond.
Scotland’s new chief prosecutor, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, has been driving the new legislation, while Scotland’s new justice minister, Roseanna Cunningham, has been given specific responsibility for tackling sectarianism.
Even though the SNP is now in majority government, it has called on all parties to support the plans, as a way of sending a strong message of the parliament’s intent to clamp down on sectarian behaviour.
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