Stand firm against sectarianism
The issue of Orange marches in nationalist areas has once again
underlined the continuing sectarian nature of society in the Six
Counties.
There are up to 3,000 marches every year by the various loyal
orders; less than 1% of these are intolerable to nationalist
residents. What must be repeated is that this is an issue of
civil rights and equality under the law for nationalists in the
Six Counties and only inclusive dialogue can begin the process of
finding a solution.
The refusal to meet the democratically chosen repreentatives of
the nationalist community of Garvaghy Road and elsewhere is the
clearest evidence that the Orange Order does not subscribe to the
principle of equality. Those unionist politicians who support the
Orange Order in their stance are obviously opposed to equality
also.
It is this sectarian refusal to accept nationalists and Catholics
as equals which has fuelled sectarianism in all its
manifestations in the Six Counties, including the countless
murders of Catholic civilians over the decades.
What we are now witnessing is the dying wasp-sting of an ideology
which has underpinned the Northern state from its inception. The
Six County entity was established as a `Protestant state for a
Protestant people' and it was through the Orange lodges that this
ideology was maintained among the various classes straddled by
unionism.
The growing confidence of the nationalist community in the Six
Counties in recent years, and the political changes heralded by
the Good Friday Agreement with its commitment to equality and
justice has had a huge effect on those who are afraid of change
and have always opposed it. Reactionary loyalism is lashing out
and has chosen the marches issue on which to make its stand.
Those unionists who are opposed to the Agreement and to the
leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party are regrouping around the
marches issue.
The Orange menace must be faced down so that the path to
democracy and equality can be pursued in peace. The nationalist
community is confident and determined to achieve justice. It will
not be going down onto its knees in the face of loyalist
violence. The question is whether the British government has the
same fortitude.
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