Orange Order anger as Parades Commission bans parade from "mainly unionist" area

By Q Radio news

Orangemen in north Belfast say a decision by the Parades Commission to ban a centenary parade from a mainly loyalist area is "simply wrong".

No. 4 District says its being prevented from entering the Kilcoole area which it says is overwhelmingly protestant and nionist this Saturday.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland says it defies logic and goes against natural justice. 

In a statement the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said:

The Officers and Brethren of No. 4 District LOL Belfast condemn in the strongest possible terms the decision to ban the District’s forthcoming Centenary parade from entering the Kilcoole area of North Belfast.

By banning the procession from entering Kilcoole not only have the Commissioners displayed contempt for the traditions and heritage of our community, but they have also demonstrated their total lack of knowledge of the local demographics.

This has led to immense anger amongst local residents.

Orangemen in north Belfast say a decision by the Parades Commission to ban a centenary parade from a mainly loyalist area is "simply wrong".https://t.co/yr5uhv2sT1

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"The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants in Kilcoole are Protestant and Unionist, with many members of the Institution and their families living in the community.

We do not claim Kilcoole as our own, recognising that there are a small number of residents from a differing tradition.

However, we do expect where such a shared society exists that the traditions and values of the overwhelming majority of residents would be respected.

This determination creates unnecessary community division and tension by effectively creating a ‘no go’ area for Protestants in a community where the majority would be supporters of Orange traditions and culture.

This abhorrent decision is simply wrong, defies logic and goes against natural justice.

The Parades Commission, which has been populated with new Commissioners, is still basing its decisions on unfair legislation. It remains as it has from its formation an unaccountable quango which is institutionally biased.

We call yet again for the Commissioners to resign, the Parades Commission to be disbanded and the relevant legislation retired.

We would like to thank the community for the support we have received thus far and look forward to a day when we can dwell in a shared space once more.