Steven Gallagher considers how race and religious legislation could affect Orange Order marchers in England
The marching season during July in Northern Ireland often results in disorder and violence. Some UK residents may be surprised to learn that Orange Order marches also take place in England. On 12 July many people from Liverpool gather in the seaside town of Southport to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne, where William of Orange defeated James II and the threat of Catholicism. Shops board up windows, and residents avoid the streets as the marchers pass through the town singing anti-Catholic songs. Alcohol is consumed and minor public order offences are dealt with swiftly by the large police presence that attends.
Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 (RRHA 2006) amends the Public Order Act 1986 (POA 1986) to make offences of many types of behaviour intended to stir up hatred against people on racial or religious grounds. However, although RRHA 2006 received Royal Assent on 16 February 2006 it has yet to come into force.
For disruptive marchers the most apposite
