Orange Order hits out at hate crime 'lack of support'

THE Orange Order has hit out at Police Scotland and the Scottish Government saying there is a lack of support when it comes to dealing with hate crimes against Protestants.

- By David Walker

Executive Officer David Walters claimed marchers on Orange Walks were not treated in the same way as those demonstrting for Palestine, Scottish independence or Pride.

Members of his organisation met the SNP administration yesterday to air concerns about an alleged rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes.

Pellets were fired at Orange Order marchers during a walk earlier this month and police are investigating.

No SNP politician has condemned the crime, it was claimed, and Mr Walters said the Orange Order had been excluded from hate crime discussions that saw a range of other organisations invited.

New laws were introduced last year which toughened up legislation around these sort of offences, including adding a law against stirring up hatred.