The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland at its Meeting on 11 June
1997 discussed the Parades issue in detail.
In the interests of clarity in relation to our stance on
Parades the following Policy Statement was agreed.
The basic controlling principle is that together will all
law-abiding citizens Orangemen possess certain inalienable
rights. Among these is the right of free assembly, and that
necessitates the right to proceed in a peaceable and orderly
manner to and from the place of assembly, whether it be a
church or other venue. We hold that these rights are non-negotiable.
There can be no question of one group of free citizens having
to ask permission from any other self-appointed authority
to walk the public highways of our land. No one community
owns the roads of Ulster.
It is irrefutable that Sinn Fein/I.R.A. is manipulating certain
"residents groups" with a view to preventing or
impeding Orangemen in the exercise of their civil rights.
This therefore prevents law-abiding Orangemen from talking
to such groups. Orangemen are not afraid to talk but there
are people with whom they cannot in conscience discuss these
matters. No reasonable person can expect dialogue under such
circumstances. The responsibility rests with such a group
to demonstrate that they are not being manipulated by an organisation
whose clear aim is to drive Protestants out of their land,
and to kill them if necessary.
However Orange representatives can enter into discussions
with the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
In the event of a procession being prohibited or re-routed
the right of peaceful protest still remains, and should be
exercised. In any such protest, the law of God, the laws of
the land and the laws of our Institution must be fully respected
by all Orangemen. Specifically, no verbal or physical abuse
shall be offered to members of the Police or other Crown Forces,
or to anyone else. As an offence against morality such action
would merit expulsion.
With the possibility of more reasonable situations obtaining
in other areas - there is a need to educate and inform people
of good-will in many communities. Such people require a clear
understanding that though we are unapologetically committed
to the Reformed Faith and Loyal to the Constitution, our processions
are not "triumphalist" nor are they intended to
be offensive to any person, whatever their faith. Such a process
of information will require meeting and talking with people
who are committed to the principles of democracy and peace.
This will not be to "ask permission" to walk, as
it is sometimes incorrectly alleged. It will be to ascertain
what the local problems are, and seek to allay the fears of
the community. There must be no betrayal of our principles
in discussions taking place under these circumstances. Our
members must not be misled by any mischievous or malicious
propaganda to the contrary.
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