The Orange Order says it is bitterly disappointed at yesterday's
ruling by the Parades Commission that Portadown Orangemen
will once again be banned from walking down the Garvaghy Road
after their Annual Church Parade in Drumcree this Sunday,
8 July.
Commenting on the Commission's ruling, George Patton, Executive
Officer for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, said: "Yet
again our members are being denied the fundamental human right
to use a public highway. Today's ruling is bitterly disappointing
but not really surprising. Judging by events over the last
few years the authorities seem determined on a policy of cultural
genocide against the Loyalist community of Northern Ireland
in order to appease militant republicans".
The Orange Order points out that the latest ruling on Drumcree
is in stark contradiction to recent statements from Parades
Commission, Chairman, Tony Holland.
"Only last week Mr Holland was saying the Commission
wanted to see the Loyalist parades culture preserved - then
he again slaps restrictions on those seeking to attend the
oldest Orange Service in Ireland", said Mr Patton. "And
as others have pointed out while the Commission stresses the
need to balance the competing rights of Orangemen and those
living on the Garvaghy Road, in over 150 determinations the
Commission has sided with the rights of protesting residents.
That's hardly a balanced approach".
The Grand Lodge says it will be carefully considering its
options following today's ruling and urged all Orangemen and
the wider Unionist community to remain calm and react responsibly.
"In spite of the injustice of the situation and the
determination to try and eradicate our Ulster Scots traditions",
said Mr Patton, "the Orange Order totally rejects violence
from whatever quarter and does not want, nor seek, the support
of those who are prepared to use it".
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