BY Peter Diamond | May 31 | 
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Court rejects Orange marchers’ appeal to parade past Catholic church
A court has upheld Glasgow City Council’s decision to re-route an Orange walk that was set to pass a Catholic church in Glasgow.
Four organisations – Bridgeton Orange and Purple District 37, Dalmarnock Orange and Purple District 50, Dalmarnock No Surrender Branch Club and the Apprentice Boys of Derry(Bridgeton) – had taken the council to court after a planned march past St Alphonsus in the East End on Saturday and Sunday was re-routed.
The parish priest at St Alphonsus, Canon Tom White, was attacked last year as an Orange march went past his church, and earlier this month parishioners were abused as ‘fenian b******s’ as another marched by.
Parishioners and campaign group Call it Out have been protesting against Orange walks past Catholic churches for a number of months.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court on May 31, the local authority’s decision was upheld, with the sheriff ruling that the council has a statutory right to re-route parades and its decision was legal and proportionate.
The Orange marchers had appealed under section 6 of the Human Rights Act (1998).
Call it Out welcomed the decision, stating:”Thank you to all of you who have supported us – this is progress!”
A spokesperson for the council said: “We note the Sheriff’s comment that the council’s actions have been lawful, necessary and proportionate and will take the time to consider his full judgement once it is available.”
Glasgow City Council’s processions committee is also due to meet on Monday to consider rerouting a march planned for next weekend.
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