Growing up in Scotland, culturally Catholic and of Irish desent and now living between Glasgow and Belfast, in the occupied six counties of Ireland, I have witnessed firsthand the divisive impact the Orange Order has had on our communities. An organisation rooted in hate, it bears striking resemblance to the notorious Ku Klux Klan. With its origins steeped in bigotry, antagonism, hatred and intolerance, allowing the Orange Order to persist is an endorsement of hatred in modern society.

The Orange Order is infamous for its provocative marches designed to intimidate and antagonise ordinary decent people,  which often lead to heightened tensions and confrontations, particularly through areas with strong Catholic populations. These marches, under the fake guise of tradition, serve only to intimidate and segregate; perpetuating a cycle of hostility that our society desperately needs to dissolve.

Moreover, the Orange Order actively indoctrinates the younger generations, perpetuating prejudice and sectarianism. They exploit children's vulnerability, embedding intolerant ideologies that are detrimental to a peaceful and inclusive future for Scotland and Ireland. This is not the legacy we should be leaving for our children.

It is worth noting that many countries have acknowledged the harmful impact of similar organisations and have taken decisive steps to outlaw them. For instance, Germany's strict measures against hate groups are indicative of a commitment to fostering inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated and unity prevails.

With nearly 3000 parades annually, predominantly concentrated during the marching season, the Orange Order continues to sow seeds of discord that detract from the progress the occupied six counties of Ireland has made towards lasting peace. We cannot afford to regress; the stakes are too high. Every march and gathering is a hate crime.

It is imperative that we move beyond the vestiges of our painful past. By dismantling the Orange Order, we can pave the way for true reconciliation within our communities and demonstrate that hatred has no place here.

I urge the UK and Irish governments, alongside the Northern Ireland Executive, to prioritise legislation that will ban the Orange Order from existing in any form. Through this petition, we call upon authorities to stand with those who champion peace and equality.

This cause is dear to me because I refuse to accept a future where such an organisation stteped in hatred can influence the minds of new generations. I implore you to join in this movement to outlaw the Orange Order, ensuring that our children grow up in a society defined by harmony rather than division. Please, sign this petition to safeguard our communities and ensure a brighter, more inclusive future.