THE organiser behind plans for an Orange walk which was prevented from going ahead by a Scottish council is being investigated over alleged anti-Muslim posts on social media.
Alleged posts on William Henry’s social media account also likened a former Celtic manager to an ape and suggested former first minister Nicola Sturgeon should be deported.
Henry works as an operations co-ordinator with Aberdeenshire Council and had applied for a march to be led by the Pride of the Rock flute band.
Almost 10,000 people signed a petition against the march of around 200 people, with the application rejected by the council.
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Now, The Times has revealed a number of alleged anti-Muslim messages were posted on Henry’s Facebook account.
The newspaper reports that one post claimed British Muslim communities “refuse to integrate”.
Another post read: “There are now dozens of no-go zones within major cities across the country that the police force dare not intrude upon.
“Sharia law prevails there because the Muslim community in those areas refuse to acknowledge British law.”
Meanwhile, a picture of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (above) was posted with the words: “Deportation flight to Rwanda takes off at the eleventh hour.”
Yet another posted suggested terrorists are posing as refugees, as a cartoon of a Trojan horse wearing an Arabic headdress outside the gates of Europe was uploaded.
A further post called for halal meat to be banned with pictures of bacon alongside the message “Happy Porktober”.
Images of former Celtic manager Tony Mowbray which depicted him as a macaque monkey, a chimpanzee and orangutan were also uploaded to the account.
There was also a tribute to Oliver Cromwell, who lead an invasion of Ireland in the 17th century.
It read: “Could do with this boy to sort a few of them now.”
A post about a visit to Northern Ireland read: “Seems strange walking through the city centre of Belfast without a flak jacket and a rifle.”
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has confirmed an investigation into the alleged comments is now underway.
Chief executive David Walters told The Times the lodge “respects all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds and expects the same from our members”.
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“Individual members have the right to express their own views, which in a democratic society is a fundamental freedom we support, but if those views conflict with their qualifications as an Orangeman or Orangewoman or bring the institution into disrepute then this is a matter which will be dealt with internally by our governing body.
“If our investigation merits any disciplinary action, this will be carried out by the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland as the governing body of our institution.”
When approached by The Scottish Sun, a spokesperson added: “Any investigation that Grand Orange Lodge commences with will be private, and any action taken will be private.”
Kevin Stewart, the SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said: “These kinds of horrific comments from the organiser show us exactly why it is that this Orange Order march should be banned.
“The northeast is known for its tolerance and the last thing we need here is an intolerant, sectarian event in Stonehaven.
“I hope that councillors will take account of the organiser’s social media posts and remarks and vote against this march for the good of the northeast.”
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