Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement from TUV deputy leader Court councillor Ron McDowell:
“Attacks on Orange parades have been reported tonight in multiple locations across the city, both verbal and physical in nature.
“The lodge I have been a member of for many years came under both verbal abuse and physical harassment on Royal Avenue. Similar reports are coming in from other areas as well.
“Tonight, I raise a question regarding what appears to be a hierarchy of victims in Northern Ireland.
“This kind of intolerance is nothing new. Anyone who has been a member of the Loyal Orders for any length of time will have their own experiences to share. But tonight I ask, where is our equality compared to other sections of society? The PSNI historically make no arrests. Tonight they are commended as they reacted appropriately and three individuals were seen to be detained. When we are targeted by youths while parading in the city centre, we are generally expected to dismiss this as nothing more than “unruly behaviour”.
“Imagine if Unionist politicians had said the same in Ballymena during the recent trouble.
“The media also shows a clear imbalance when reporting on Unionist communities. When it comes to crimes affecting migrant or LGBT individuals, their stories are rightly highlighted. Yet when it happens to us, it feels like no one cares.
“Consider the council’s response. When threats were made to the GAA, the council sprang into action and allocated thousands of pounds to their clubs for safeguarding measures. I make no criticism of those individual actions by the council, the PSNI, or the media, but I ask, where is the same support and protection for my identity?
“Where is our policing and protection when we compare Londonderry’s republican riots with the events in Ballymena?
“Where is the support when Orange Halls, still among the most attacked buildings in Belfast, are vandalised time and again?
“Ignore our community, and you will have to deal with the fallout. Parity is not too much to ask.”