Latest news with #LoyalOrangeInstitution
The Herald Scotland
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Orange Order statement after Scottish Government meeting
The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the Protestant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. Read More It asked the government to Provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'Establish a formal working group comprising the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
Glasgow Times
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Orange Order statement after Scottish Government meeting
Andrew Murray, Grand Master, Edward McGonnell, Senior Depute Grand Master and David Walters, Executive Officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. READ NEXT:Drivers raise fears at protest if taxi and private hire cap is lifted It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the Protestant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. READ NEXT:Mother and new baby turned up at homeless shelter needing help It asked the government to Provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'Establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
The National
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Orange Order issues statement after Scottish Government meeting
Andrew Murray, grand master, Edward McGonnell, senior depute grand master and David Walters, executive officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about 'increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community'. READ MORE: The best and worst places in Scotland for food hygiene pass rates revealed It said: 'These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.' The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other's culture and way of life. Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: 'We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members. 'We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. 'The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.' The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the [[Protest]]ant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law. It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations. READ MORE: Busy Scottish city street taped off by police following 'incident' It asked the government to provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations. Other calls include 'establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-[[Protest]]ant hate crimes. 'Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion. 'Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
The National
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
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.
