The Orange Institution also does not talk to the Parades Commission, because it is a discredited Government quango whose remit and actions are clearly in violation of democracy, justice and human rights. Traditional loyal order parades are attacked as part of the republican strategy to remove the British presence from Northern Ireland. The restricting of loyal order parades along main roads creates cultural apartheid, where one community has a veto on another community's expression of identity and heritage. Banning and rerouting Orange Parades from shared roads and village main streets will only lead to further segregation of our respective communities. This is not the way to build a future where there is mutual respect and tolerance.
Ethnic segregation is morally wrong.
It did not work in South Africa and the United States. It must not be allowed to work in Northern Ireland. In a democratic, divided society accommodation is the only way to build a future where people of differing traditions can peacefully co-exist. Toleration needs to be the approach when matters of tradition and heritage are expressed. While much of gaelic and nationalist culture is politicised, the unionist community does not go out of its way to be offended or to be obstructive.