Scottish expert to examine religious parades
The former head of Strathclyde Police, Sir John Orr, is to carry out an independent review into the authorisation of religious parades in Scotland.
Like Northern Ireland, the summer is Scotland is marked by rival parades by Protestant and Catholic groups.
Though the scale of disturbance in the Northern Ireland marching season is seldom replicated in Scotland, Glasgow in particular suffers from increased sectarian tension.
Traditionally support between Glasgow’s two leading football teams, Celtic and Rangers, has divided along religious lines. Though this is no longer strictly accurate there is still a culture of violent sectarianism among a minority of supporters which the clubs and ministers are determined to curb.
There is no specific link between the clubs and the marching groups, but Glasgow and East Lanarkshire, where most fans hail from, is the centre of the marching season.
Sir John is expected to report his findings to Ministers by the end of the year.
At the moment parades can only be banned if police believe there is a serious threat to public order.
Communities Minister Margaret Curran said: “I believe that the time is right to review the issues surrounding marches and parades not only from the view of those who wish to march, but also from that of the communities affected by the marches and the authorities who have responsibility for making decisions about marches and ensuring public safety.
“We fully respect the right of organisations and individuals to have processions, but also believe that councils and march organisers must respect the rights of communities too.”
Sir John will specifically look at “the basis for determining when to restrict, refuse or re-route marches and parades”, the impact of such marches on the community, the cost and policing procedures.
