The ruling body of the Orange Order has condemned those responsible
for the recent spate of racist attacks in Belfast as cowardly
bullies and called on all members of the institution to help
the police bring them to justice.
A spokesman for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland said Orangemen
were deeply disturbed by the apparent spread of racism in
the Province. "The victims of these outrages are among
the more vulnerable and isolated members of society. As probably
the biggest community group in Northern Ireland, the Orange
Order has a duty to stand up for them.
"The Orange Institution supports civil and religious
liberty for all irrespective of class, creed or colour. Those
who deliberately set out to stir up racial hatred are nothing
more than bullies and symptomatic of a sickening moral decline
which has also led to an increasing number of attacks on pensioners
and even on people's pets.
"The people of Northern Ireland, from whatever background,
have always been regarded as warm-hearted and welcoming. These
racist thugs are threatening that reputation, and we urge
anyone with information on these attacks to pass it on to
the proper authorities."

|