Marching to different tunes

By Thomas McGuigan
BBC News Online Scotland

The Orange Order in Scotland defends its role

Scotland's politicians are taking a hard look at sectarianism in society and how best to combat the problem.

Recent efforts have concentrated on banning sectarian material at Celtic and Rangers' football grounds.

The Old Firm clubs and Orange or republican parades are often blamed for fanning sectarian flames.

But those who take part in the parades believe they are an illustration of freedom of assembly and protect the right to celebrate respective identities.

Religion has no place on republican marches and our events are political not religious Jim Slavin WOSBA

The Orange Order in Scotland defends its parades and believes denying the right to march would impinge on freedom of expression.

And those who organise republican parades in Glasgow and Edinburgh say they have the right to honour their heroes.

For Orangemen, the marching season culminates in the 12 July parades.

That is the day which commemorates the victory of Protestant Prince William of Orange over Catholic King James II in 1690.

'Huge hullabaloo'

Liberal Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie, a long-standing anti-sectarianism campaigner, said "in a perfect world" such parades would not exist.

The member for central Scotland said: "Parades do accentuate existing sectarian/racial/political tensions and often mlead to violence around their fringes.

"However, they exist and to make them illegal would create a huge hullabaloo about free speech."

Those who take part in parades feel they should have the right to express their cultural identity.

'Repugnant' comparison

Robert McLean, of the Orange Order in Scotland, said it was "repugnant" to suggest Orange and republican parades were "two sides of the same coin".

He said: "Irish republican parades in Scotland are almost exclusively by republican bands named after terrorist 'martyrs' and have a political purpose.

"Orange parades are ceremonial and celebratory and have a 200-year tradition in Scotland."

During the marching season, Orange parades take place in the streets of Scotland.

Republicans claim their stance is political not religious

Mr McLean said Orangemen do not believe Orange parades reinforce divisions.

He said: "Freedom of speech and assembly are hallmarks of a free and democratic society.

"But the right to march is also a privilege to be exercised responsibly. While there will inevitably be some (probably mainly motorists) who are irritated by our parades.

"Scottish parades are not contentious and are trouble free."

Anti-sectarian campaign group Nil by Mouth said there is "a heavy onus" on parade organisers to ensure marchers behave appropriately.

'Different faiths'

Nil by Mouth was established in response to the sectarian killing of 16-year-old Celtic fan Mark Scott.

The group's Helen Miller said: "It's important that marches are celebrated in a positive way, and not used as an excuse to promote religious hatred or to create alarm in any other community.

"Nil by Mouth would ask the organisers of such marches and the participants themselves to think about the effects their marches may have on people of different religious faiths."

Jim Slavin, of the West of Scotland Bands' Alliance, (WOSBA) said it holds events according to the republican calendar.

He claimed republican marches are anti-sectarian and have an important political message.

June and July brings Orange parades to the streets

"Republicanism is an inclusive ideology," he told BBC News Online Scotland.

"Religion has no place on republican marches and our events are political not religious.

"Clearly, we do not share the Orange Order's exclusive doctrine. They defend all we wish to change about society - privilege, discrimination and triumphalism.

"We believe the Orange Order has the right to march and like everyone else should do so with the consent of local residents."

Both the Orange Order and Republican movement appear to have one main thing in common - a mutual distrust for each other.

Police deal with hundreds of parades each year.

John McLean, Strathclyde Police Assistant Chief Constable Community Safety, said the force's chief concern during parades is public safety.

Public safety

He said public processions are governed by the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

"In the period April 2002 to March 2003 Strathclyde Police policed over 600 street processions organised by groups such as the Orange Order or WOSBA.

"The numbers of participants and anticipated followers, the time and area that the event is taking place, local intelligence and an operational assessment of previous parades determines policing of these events."

In the event of sectarian behaviour during any of these parades, he added, police consider the impact on public order "any overt police action may bring".

Mr Slavin said sectarianism is "a major problem" in Scottish society and an informed debate on the issues would benefit.

'Peaceful and respectful'

Parades, Orange or republican, are often viewed by some as sectarian and divisive.

Nil by Mouth's Helen Miller said marches could be categorised in two ways.

She said: "When marches take a form that's inflammatory and disrespectful of other cultures and religious beliefs, promote Irish paramilitary organisations and terrorism, then naturally they're sectarian.

"If and when marches represent a peaceful and respectful celebration of faith and identity, then this is acceptable and represents every individual's right."