VIEWPOINTS AND OBJECTIVITY 12. Since 1807, to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne and the victory of Protestant King William over Catholic King James, the Orange Order have marched from Drumcree Church and back again. Over the decades there was conflict between the Protestant marchers and the Catholic inhabitants of the town, but the parade continued. From 1972, violence and killings were connected to the parade as Catholic locals objected to it, while Protestants demanded their right to march. The parade was stopped by protesters in 1995 who sat down on the road and refused to move. Since then the Orange Order have requested to walk their historical route, while the residents of the route refuse to allow them. Who is right? Are the Orange Order correct in demanding their historical and cultural rights? Are the Catholic residents correct in demanding to be listened to and not to have a parade that celebrates a victory of Protestants over Catholics?
Research this controversy and answer the following questions: (a) With which side do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (b) How important are cultural rights? (c) Should people be allowed to continue to do things because they have done them for decades or centuries?
Mentor Digital Resources Go to mentorbooks.ie/resources to find weblinks relating to Northern Ireland.