Report to call the tune on sectarian march conduct

Published on 24/01/2005 00:28

COUNCILS should be given the power to demand a "behaviour bond" from the organisers of sectarian marches, a report commissioned by Jack McConnell, the First Minister, will recommend today.

The "good behaviour deposit" for march organisers is one of 38 recommendations Sir John Orr, the former Chief Constable of Strathclyde, will make when he releases his long-awaited report today in Glasgow. Sir John recommends a number of measures for reducing the frequency of marches and their impact on local communities.

Organisers will be invited to "look carefully" at the number of marches they are organising, and consider combining events if they are celebrating or commemorating the same event.

Other recommendations include organisers ensuring their members abide by the conditions set by local authorities and the police and that they have "sufficient trained marshals and stewards" on duty during the march. Where there is evidence of a likely risk of damage to property, local authorities should be able to require a "behaviour bond" and that organisers take out insurance.

Ministers will seek to reassure councils that they will not face challenges under human rights laws if they ban marches. There are about 850 Orange parades in Scotland every year and about 17 republican marches.