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Violence and threat of violence must
not dictate the agenda over parades in Northern Ireland
This was the conclusion after the Grand Orange
Lodge of Ireland examined in detail the parades issue at a
special meeting on February 3. Central to the deliberations
was a report by a working party who having taken soundings
from District Lodges and interested individuals, and having
carefully studied recent events relative to parades, put forward
a number of recommendations to promote the principles of civil
liberty and maintain the unity and integrity of the Institution.
The report focused on a number of key areas including:-
- Orange discipline.
- The Parades Commission.
- People who are opposed to Orange Parades.
Within the context of Orange discipline concern was raised
at what was an orchestrated campaign by sections of the media
and others to demonise the Institution.
However, it was emphasised that members of the Institution
must at all times live up to the ideals and standards expected
despite the intense provocation they face from time to time.
Our behaviour must reflect the Christian principles and values
we espouse.
The Parades Commission is still seen as part of the problem
rather than part of the solution and this unelected government
quango regretfully, seems to have handed a veto to those who
would threaten violence, thus denying Orangemen and women
the right to peacefully process along main arterial routes
in this country.
Nevertheless, it is a fact the the commission exists. The
Institution will embark on a positive campaign to ensure that
everyone is aware of the facts pertaining to our parades and
the Commission will be publicly challenged and exposed.
This will clearly involve movement from a position often
unofficially described as "non-recognition" of the
Parades Commission.
There abounds a myth that Orangemen will not talk to their
neighbours about our parades. That is total nonsense. We are
happy to explain our traditions and heritage as witnessed
by the excellent cultural event in the Waterfront Hall in
Belfast a few years ago, and by many other smaller events
around Northern Ireland.
We have always been willing to listen to genuine concerns
expressed about parades and we are quite prepared to discuss
our traditions and reassure those who feel some concern about
our parades.
We should not be expected, however, to engage with those
groups whose primary purpose is to deny our culture and traditions.
The Orange Institution is determined that a just and lasting
solution is found on the parades issue. We are committed to
finding such a solution but others must play their part.
There has to be a recognition of diverse cultures and traditions
and their legitimacy within a peaceful and stable society.
There must also be an end to a situation where violence or
the threat of violence dictates the agenda.
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