Spike of over 50 applications for ‘Twelfth’ parades, with qualified support from Orange Order

The spike in applications came in the wake of the Executive announcing on Monday that outdoor gatherings could be expanded to allow 30 if they observe social distancing rules.

With much of the rest of Northern Ireland tentatively reopening after the Coronavirus lockdown, the Orange Order gave its tacit approval to the development yesterday - if applicants adhere to the appropriate health and safety guidelines. The vast majority of the applications appear to be by bands for July 13, a Monday, with only a handful of Orange Lodges applying. Many of the applications relate to greater Belfast.

The News Letter asked the Parades Commission if it would be approving applications which adhere to guidelines and if it had any advice for organisers in how to comply with restrictions.

A spokesperson for the Parades Commission said: “During lockdown, the majority of band parade organisers agreed to withdraw their notifications to parade.   

“Since the easement on Monday evening permitting up to 30 persons outdoors, bands have submitted new notifications, mostly for the Twelfth. Fifty parade notifications have been received today and yesterday, with more anticipated. Details are on the Commission’s website.”

It added that parades are subject to Covid-19 Regulations, the enforcement of which is a matter for the NI Executive and PSNI. 

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has restated its position that traditional Twelfth of July parades will not take place this year in light of the pandemic. However it approved the small parades if they complied with safety requirements.

A spokesman said: “We note that several bands have indicated their intention to apply for parades within their communities, with no more than 30 members and adhering to the social distancing guidelines for the purpose of entertaining people in their gardens and at their front doors.  Bands have rightly asked members of the public not to follow them. Instead, they have encouraged a ‘stay at home’ message with the band bringing music to them. This is a model the Institution would support as it compliments our ‘Twelfth at Home’ campaign.”

It has been reported that the Attorney General has told the Parades Commission that it has no legal powers to prevent bands from marching on The Twelfth.

A letter, seen by the Belfast Telegraph, was reportedly sent to the watchdog from the Attorney General’s Office earlier this month. It reportedly said that the Coronavirus health regulations do not “ban parades of any nature” and as such, the Commission has “no enforcement powers”. The Commission declined to confirm to the News Letter whether it had received such a letter.

Last month Broughshane man Craig Sloan expressed “shock” to the News Letter after the Commission declined to process his application for a socially distanced parade of six people on July 13, which he believed was within lawful limits at that time. The commission argued that Coronavirus legislation forbade parades because because they came under restrictions on movement and gatherings.

Meanwhile, First Minister Arlene Foster was asked by RTE at a press conference today if Sinn Fein’s conduct at the funeral of leading republican Bobby Storey this week would be likely to encourage unionists to ask why they could not parade in July?

Mrs Foster replied: “Nobody enjoys the marching season as much as I do ... and I have to say the leadership of the Orange Order and the Black Preceptory and the Apprentice Boys has been very clear that they want to protect the community that they live in.

”They don’t want people to catch the Coronavirus. They do want to celebrate in a way that is not only safe but that recognises the time of the year that we are in.”And you know what.... two wrongs don’t make a right... I am asking them to continue to work with the Executive as they have been. I met with the officers of the Grand Orange Lodge last Friday.

“We had a hugely constructive meeting about how we could celebrate in a way that did not put people in danger and I will continue those conversations.”

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