UK Court of Appeal Overturns Garvaghy Road Parade Ban
An appeal court in Northern Ireland overturned a parade ban Saturday night. This cleared the way for a restricted march Sunday morning.
The Parades Commission allowed up to 35 people to march. The march starts at 8 a.m.
Sunday with no bands. The parade could be the first on this road in 28 years.
Some reports say it may be almost 30 years. Residents had gotten a temporary order blocking the parade Saturday.
After the appeal court overturned it protesters gathered on Garvaghy Road. The Portadown District Orange Lodge declined a request to postpone the parade.
Judge Patricia Smyth had made that request. The Guardian reported fears the march could cause fresh sectarian violence.
The road has been barred since 1998. That year the Drumcree dispute led to violent clashes.
It also caused political tension. Garvaghy Road is in a mostly nationalist area.
Key Terms 4
- Orange Order A Protestant group in Northern Ireland known for yearly parades.
- Parades Commission A group that sets rules for parades in Northern Ireland.
- Drumcree dispute A 1990s conflict over this same parade route.
- nationalist area A community where most people want Ireland reunited.