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29/08/2012
SDLP Vehemently Opposes Council Orange Order Motion
SDLP Councillor Brian Heading said the party has always opposed anything that goes against the grain of good community relations and a shared future.
He said: "The SDLP opposes the motion to grant the freedom of Lisburn to the Orange Order on the grounds that the Orange institutions have failed to show that they can offer a shared future to all the residents of not only Lisburn but also the north.
"Last weekend's events in North Belfast show that the Orange institutions have some way to go to prove to a large section of the community that the law and the rights and feelings of residents will be respected."
Mr Heading said it was an "under-hand" gesture by the DUP to undermine the parades commission.
"Until the Orange Order shows that it will enter proper and meaningful dialogue with residents and concerned politicians alike then this can only be a divisive action. It would be wrong to grant the freedom of the city to an organization that deliberately excludes Catholics and non-Christians.
"The SDLP will oppose this motion at all stages of council and continue to work to build a more inclusive city which is respectful and open to all citizens."
(CD)
He said: "The SDLP opposes the motion to grant the freedom of Lisburn to the Orange Order on the grounds that the Orange institutions have failed to show that they can offer a shared future to all the residents of not only Lisburn but also the north.
"Last weekend's events in North Belfast show that the Orange institutions have some way to go to prove to a large section of the community that the law and the rights and feelings of residents will be respected."
Mr Heading said it was an "under-hand" gesture by the DUP to undermine the parades commission.
"Until the Orange Order shows that it will enter proper and meaningful dialogue with residents and concerned politicians alike then this can only be a divisive action. It would be wrong to grant the freedom of the city to an organization that deliberately excludes Catholics and non-Christians.
"The SDLP will oppose this motion at all stages of council and continue to work to build a more inclusive city which is respectful and open to all citizens."
(CD)
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