Orange Order ask John Swinney for help with online trolls after Glasgow march
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has called for "urgent action" on "rising anti-Protestant hate".
It comes after members of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland held an Orange walk in the city on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
As part of the march, hundreds of women paraded through the city centre streets. The Glasgow Times reported that around 500 people were expected to take part, including Orange bands.
Following the event, the Grand Orange Lodge has claimed some of its members have been "subjected to deeply offensive online abuse".
According to the Lodge, trolls have targeted its members for "expressing their faith and culture".
(Image: Newsquest) They also revealed the abuse has "caused serious emotional distress" to some of its members as well.
Due to the alleged trolling, the Orange Order has urged the Scottish Government and police to "take urgent action".
The Order's Most Worthy Grand Master has written to Swinney to request an "immediate meeting" to discuss the abuse.
In a statement, they said: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland continues to highlight and condemn in the strongest terms the continued rise of anti-Protestant hatred across our country.
"This troubling trend was once again evident following the recent Ladies Orange Association of Scotland's annual church parade held on Sunday, April 27, in Glasgow.
"Members of our association have been subjected to deeply offensive online abuse, targeted solely for expressing their faith and culture.
"This level of abuse has caused serious emotional distress, with some members experiencing trauma and mental health issues as a result of the level of abuse.
"No other denomination in Scotland would be expected to tolerate such hostility, and the Protestant community is no different.
"We will not accept this double standard in a modern Scotland.
"The Ladies Orange Association of Scotland is a Christian-based fraternity that upholds values of faith, service, and community.
"Our members, and the wider Loyal Orange Institution, contribute positively and actively within their local communities, often working quietly and tirelessly for the good of all.
"The level of sectarian abuse directed at the Protestant community cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.
"We call upon the Scottish Government and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action.
"The Loyal Orange Institution demands that those responsible for this online hate be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.
"Furthermore, the Most Worthy Grand Master has personally written to the First Minister of Scotland to request an immediate meeting to discuss this unacceptable and ongoing abuse toward our community.
"We urge the First Minister to respond swiftly and meaningfully.
"Hate has no place in a tolerant and equal society.
"All communities in Scotland deserve respect, safety, and protection -without exception.
"The Executive of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands in full support of the Most Worthy Grand Mistress and the Executive of the Ladies Orange Association of Scotland during this difficult time.
"We offer our solidarity and support as they face unacceptable abuse, and we remain united in our commitment to defend and uphold the rights and dignity of our Protestant community and the Loyal Orange Institution of Scotland."
The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
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