READING the latest report from some expert group that Scotland doesn’t need regulations on Orange Order marches as it reflects on the culture of the place (“No need” for Parades Commission in Scotland to look at Orange marches, report says) it all sounds just too familiar – a Scottish Government too scared to take a stance on its own policy of zero tolerance to sectarianism.
Every year, we hear vile and offensive songs and oaths directed at a certain religion. Every year, we see and hear these marches dig up and spout bigotry in the name of free speech.
The sensible solution is for one or two events to be held to celebrate the Orange culture without the triumphalism and sectarianism. No one wants to stop celebration, but it shouldn’t be toxic and divisive. Time for a principled stance ...
David Gill
via email
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