Orange Order Parade Proceeds Amid Protests After Late Court Ruling

A controversial Orange Order parade was permitted to proceed on Garvaghy Road after an "unprecedented" late-night ruling by the High Court in Belfast, allowing the march to take place for the first time in nearly 30 years. Thousands of protesters gathered in the rain ahead of the scheduled 8 a.m. start, linking arms and singing in an attempt to block the procession.

Police operated checkpoints and arrived with armored vehicles, with an announcement over a loudspeaker informing protesters they were liable for arrest for participating in an unnotified parade. An information sheet distributed by police stated that while individuals are entitled to express their views peacefully, the parade had been permitted by the Parades Commission.

The crowds, some wearing balaclavas, gathered along Garvaghy Road. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister Michelle O'Neill were among those who joined the protest. O'Neill stated, "There must be no march through this community. That is how we restore calm, that is how we restore confidence," and questioned the Parades Commission's decision to allow the march after 28 years of protests.

The High Court hearing concluded at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, with Justice Michael Humphreys acknowledging the "unusual if not unprecedented circumstances." He cited case law supporting respect for public bodies' judgments, stating the court could not substitute its own view for that of the commission.

Northern Ireland's Lady Chief Justice Siobhan Keegan described the situation as "unprecedented." The Court of Appeal, including Justices Keegan and Humphreys, upheld an appeal by Portadown Orangeman Alan Hynes to permit the march.

Previously, on Friday afternoon, Justice Patricia Smyth had blocked the commission's decision, citing the potential for the "long-running dispute" to escalate. The legal framework allowed for the parade to proceed without restrictions if a court injunction against the Parades Commission ruling was in place, as it had been legally notified. However, the Orange Order then lodged an appeal, which was successful.

Lawyers representing the Garvaghy Road residents argued that the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) threat assessment provided to the commission lacked future risk assessments. Conversely, counsel for Mr. Hynes argued for the protection of minority rights and described the situation as a "hecklers' veto." The legal team for the Parades Commission called the court's move to deem the parade unnotified "entirely unprincipled."

Justice Keegan noted that the decision being made late Friday afternoon was a "major problem" that "cannot happen again."

The stand-off at Drumcree in the 1990s was a notorious flashpoint of the Troubles, with nationalist residents opposing the parade passing through their area, leading to violent clashes and significant security operations. The Orange Order had sought for over 25 years to complete its 1998 walk along its traditional route.