'Right to live free from sectarian harassment'

SINN Féin Westninster candidate John O'Dowd has commented on the publication of the draft legislation on parading which is currently out to consultation. Mr O'Dowd said: "The Working Group set up after Hillsborough delivered its report to OFMdFM and that report has been drafted into legislation which will now go out for 12 week consultation.

“Within minutes of publication the SDLP, rather than dealing with the facts, resorted to attacking Sinn Fin, by rubbishing the document. Contrary to claims by the SDLP’s Dolores Kelly OFdFM will not make any decision on any parade. Parades will be adjudicated by a body, representative of the community, and the power to make decisions rests with the full body.

Mr O’Dowd emphasised that a legally enforceable Code of Conduct for those who parade, the bands, supporters and any hangers on is central to the legislation.

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He said: “This new improved framework for dealing with parades will help resolve a difficult issue.

“Both the Code of Conduct and the Draft Parades bill include the right for communities and individuals to live free from sectarian harassment. For the first time the right to live free from sectarian harassment is enshrined in legislation, and has a legal definition. The Loyal Orders, bands, supporters and hangers on will be legally bound by the Code of Conduct.”

The Assembly Member explained the rationale of the Draft Bill stating: “The Draft Bill places an emphasis on dialogue, formal and informal, between the loyal orders, objectors to the parades and those who raise concerns. It will provide a mechanism for mediation if required and dialogue will be the norm, will be encouraged, and failure to engage will be taken into account in subsequent adjudications.”

In concluding Mr O’Dowd MLA stressed the importance of interested parties responding to the public consultation, stating: “The SDLP knee jerk reaction is not the way to progress such a sensitive issue. It is important that all communities affected by parading issues use the opportunity presented by the consultation period to discuss and respond on this issue.”