The leader of a loyal order group claims there is “no reason” to re-route an Easter Sunday parade away from the Catholic church where a priest was attacked following an Orange parade in July.
UPDATED: Apprentice Boys of Derry parade re-routed to avoid Catholic churches
The convenor of the Apprentice Boys' of Derry Graeme Stenhouse, said that there is no threat from the march and no threat of hostility.
READ MORE: Orange Walk to march past Glasgow Church where Catholic priest was attacked
The statement comes despite criticism of the march from members of the Catholic community and beyond after it was revealed that they planned to walk past the churches of attacked priest Canon Tom White, St Alphonsus’ and St Mary’s churches, during Easter Sunday mass.
Dozens of objections have reportedly now been sent to the council, with campaign groups threatening protests if the procession goes ahead.
Following the news that the council would discuss plans, Mr Stenhouse questioned whether Glasgow City Council has an “anti-loyalist stance”.
He told the Evening Times: “We have made great strides over the last 10 years to be seen in a good light. We don’t want to be confrontational and cause bother. I wouldn’t see any reason for a change.
“There have been no issues with us in the past. I know there was an issue last year but that was not the Apprentice Boys and was not connected to the Bridgeton Branch Club.
“That was an Orange Order parade and the incident wasn’t even because of a participant. Apprentice Boys parades are conducted in a very good manner.
“I don’t know if Glasgow City Council has an anti-Loyal Order stance, or are trying to stop parades.”
READ MORE: In full: The 127 streets in Glasgow set to host an Orange Walk this summer
In August, The Apprentice Boys voluntarily re-routed a march away from the church in August after talks with police and council bosses.
Police Scotland, who will also attend the council committee, has raised no concerns about the route.
However, Mr Stenhouse is unhappy at the group having to attend a council committee about their plans, stating that loyal orders such as the Apprentice Boys have not been treated fairly.
He said: “I do think, from reading social media, that Glasgow City Council now seem to be looking a lot at loyal order parades, perhaps they see an issue with them. But there is no reason why our parade should be altered.
“We feel that the Apprentice Boys have been unfairly treated and as far as I am aware I do not see why the route should change.”
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “These are all matters for the committee.
“Processions commonly go before the committee if there is a concern regarding public order, public safety, damage to property or disruption to the life of the community that cannot be resolved by negotiation.”
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