Court to rule on NI secretary banning Garvaghy Road march
A Belfast court has upheld the Northern Secretary's decision to ban a controversial Orange Order parade, citing the risk of disorder and the disproportionate policing required. The ruling highlights the ongoing tension between freedom of assembly and public safety.
Why it matters
The decision underscores the legal and social complexities of managing public demonstrations in historically divided communities.
A Belfast court has ruled that the Northern Secretary made a lawful decision when he banned the Drumcree parade earlier this month.
Mr Justice Schoffield said the option was within the "margin of discretion" open to Chris Bryant.
It followed a challenge by Portadown District to the decision.
A barrister for the Orange Order indicated an appeal was "likely".
Mr Bryant stepped in after he was asked by the PSNI Chief Constable to reassess the permission for the march.
The court heard that in the face of a large nationalist counter-protest it would have taken a huge policing operation to facilitate the parade.
Mr Justice Schoffield said: "Those who opposed the commission's determination in this case and who opposed the procession permitted by it should, in my view, take no particular joy in the outcome of this case.
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