A JUDGE has dismissed a legal challenge against a decision made by the Secretary of State to ban an Orange Order march down the Garvaghy Road.
Earlier this month, Chris Bryant banned the march by Portadown District Lodge following a two-week stand-off after it was originally given the go-ahead by the Parades Commission.
Following the decision, Portadown Lodge launched a legal challenge against the Secretary of State's decision.
At the High Court on Wednesday, Mr Justice Scoffield dismissed the appeal.
Speaking outside court, Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Nelson said today’s decision by the judge is the right one and the only sensible outcome.
“The days of forcing unwanted, sectarian marches down the Garvaghy Road are over,” she said.
“Sinn Féin is proud to have stood with the residents of the Garvaghy Road to protect 28 years of peace and progress.
“Standing up for what is right is always the right thing to do.
“Everyone must be able to live their lives free from sectarian harassment and intimidation.
“The community of the Garvaghy Road must now be left to live in peace. They have already suffered enormously, not just in recent weeks but over many decades.
“Sinn Féin is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
“There is no going back. Not now. Not ever.”
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll added: “Today’s ruling is a victory for the people of the Garvaghy Road. For nearly three decades they have said no to a sectarian march being forced past their homes, and today the High Court confirmed that the decision to ban it was lawful.”
“Jamie Bryson disgracefully calls families who have lived under the shadow of this march for 30 years a mob. In the same breath, he complains about Irish language signs. That tells you everything about the divisive politics driving this.”
“The Orange Order says it will likely appeal. It should accept the ruling and leave this community in peace. John O’Hara’s review of the Parades Commission must not become a back door to bringing this march back.”
“Ultimately, this was won by a community that organised, stood its ground and drew support from thousands of people across Ireland. That’s the real lesson of Garvaghy: when working class people stand together to oppose the politics of reactionary hate, they win. A different kind of politics, built from below, is possible.”
Breandán Mac Cionnaith from Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition said men, women and kids who live there have been "fully vindicated" by the decision and have a right to "live free from sectarian harassment".
Portadown District Lodge's legal adviser Jamie Bryson said we will "in all likelihood be lodging an appeal" against the decision.
