Antisectarian

Marches and parades

The Orange Order

There are a number of organisations in Scotland which are alleged to be or are seen to perpetuate sectarianism. Two such organisations are the Orange Order and the Order of Hibernian.

The Orange Order state that they 'are an organisation of people bonded together to promote the great ideals of Protestantism and Liberty.' They state that they exist to:

  • maintain intact the Protestant Constitution and Christian heritage of the United Kingdom;

  • cultivate Christian character, promote brotherly love and fellowship;

  • expose and resist by all lawful means every system opposed to the mental, political and spiritual freedom of the individual.

Many of those who join the Order do so for faith and friendship in the belief that they are celebrating their Protestant religion and culture.

Others believe that the Orange Order perpetuate sectarianism, particularly since they hold marches whose routes often go past Catholic churches or through areas where many Catholics live. This can often lead to verbal and sometimes physical abuse between those participating in the march (or those who are seen to be participating) and on-lookers. At times this can lead to violence.

The Orange Order maintain that they are peaceful and that the incidents which occur are caused by people who follow the march but are not members of the Order. The Orange Order maintain that it is their right to march and that their marches are along traditional routes.

This right to march is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights provided it is carried out responsibly. This means marches can be limited where necessary and proportionate action taken where required, e.g. if trouble at a march is likely then it could be cancelled or re-routed.

The Order of Hibernian

The Ancient Order of Hibernian is suggested by some to be the Catholic equivalent of the Orange Order. It also takes part in marches, although these are far fewer in number in Scotland than those which the Orange Order hold. These marches can also be scenes of sectarianism and verbal and physical abuse, and whilst the marchers have the same rights outlined above they also have the same responsibilities.

Like the Orange Order, their right to march is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Independent review for marches and parades in Scotland

In June 2004 the (then) Scottish Executive appointed Sir John Orr, former Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police Force, to carry out an independent review of current arrangements for taking decisions on marches and parades. Sir John Orr was asked to make recommendations to help local authorities reach decisions that reflect an appropriate range of interests and views, balancing the rights of march organisers and participants with those of the communities in which they take place.

The review considered specific issues such as:

  • The period of notice required to be given to local authorities, the police and communities for proposed marches and parades;

  • The best way to ensure community input into decisions about marches and parades;

  • The basis for determining when to restrict, refuse or re-route marches and parades;

  • The number of marches and parades occurring in communities and the effects these have; and

  • The cost of policing marches and parades.

Sir John Orr's report was published in January 2005.

The (then) Scottish Executive published guidance for Scottish Local Authorities in December 2006 recommending them to take forward all 38 recommendations in Sir John Orr’s report. The Action on Sectarianism site provides more information related to marches and parades.