THE Workers' Party also published its submission to the North Commission yesterday. It called for an independent body to adjudicate on contentious parades and for the introduction of a charter of responsibilities governing the organising and conduct of parades.
The party urged a greater use of existing civil law, such as incitement to hatred legislation, to punish those guilty of provocative behaviour during parades. It said organisers of a march should ensure it is planned and conducted with tolerance and sensitivity.
Marches should be monitored and the Performance and actions of organisers and participants on previous occasions taken into account when determining permission for future marches.
The Workers' Party president, Mr Tom French, acknowledged the right to march and the right to respect for tradition and culture, but said that it could not be an excuse for "sectarian triumphalism, coat-trailing, bigotry and intolerance dressed in the guise of protecting community rights".
Mr French objected to attempts to legitimise sectarian division by designating whole areas, towns and villages as Protestant or Catholic.
"We would appeal to all those involved in organising parades or protests against them to recognise the effect their actions have in society as a whole and how they contribute to the climate of fear and suspicion."