THE Orange Order and a Scottish Government minister have met to discuss concerns over hate crime, vandalism and assaults.
Andrew Murray, grand master, Edward McGonnell, senior depute grand master and David Walters, executive officer, met with Siobhan Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety.
The meeting was arranged after the Order said it was worried about “increasing hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community”.
It said: “These crimes are now running at an all-time high in comparison to other religious groups.”
The Orange Order called for the Scottish Government to set up cross-community working groups from all denominations and none to understand and respect each other’s culture and way of life.
Following the meeting, a spokesperson said: “We raised serious concerns, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting incident in Kelvingrove involving eight of our members.
“We also voiced concern on the broader political response, claiming that no political party is addressing the rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes.
“The Grand Orange Lodge calls for direct engagement with the First Minister and other political leaders in meaningful action from the highest levels of government and Holyrood.”
The organisation said it wants the Hate Crime and Public Order Act to explicitly recognise the [[Protest]]ant community—particularly smaller groups like the Loyal Orange Institution—as entitled to protection under the law.
It also asks for a government compensation and protection fund for properties damaged by religiously motivated hate crimes and include financial support for installing CCTV for vulnerable organisations.
It asked the government to provide funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, working in partnership with both faith-based and secular organisations.
Other calls include “establish a formal working group comprising the [[Scottish Government]], Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-[[Protest]]ant hate crimes.
“Ensure Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime and social cohesion.
“Encourage responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to cease the demonisation of our community and instead help raise awareness of the challenges we face.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
