Displays of Sectarian Hate Around Twelfth Must be Challenged – Adams

Posted by Jim on July 18, 2015

Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD has called for political and legal action to end what he called “displays of sectarian hate” that accompany 12th July events in the North.

Gerry Adams said:

“The open displays of sectarian hatred and intimidation which we witnessed around this year’s Twelfth celebrations are, regrettably, an increasing occurrence.

“These hate crimes are completely unacceptable in any modern democratic society.

“The public burning of the Irish national flag, the burning of the effigies of nationalist and republican representatives and candidates’ election posters are hate crimes pure and simple.

“We have also witnessed major public safety issues around some of these bonfires with people and property at genuine risk.

“It is time that this madness was confronted head-on both legally and politically.

“The organizers of bonfires where these crimes are committed need to be rigorously investigated by the PSNI and the perpetrators prosecuted.

“Police action to date has been derisory but it is no longer acceptable for the PSNI to stand back while an entire community is demonized and subjected to an annual campaign of sectarian hatred.

“I do not believe that the disgraceful scenes we witnessed around some Twelfth bonfires represents genuine Orangeism, but we need to see more leadership from unionist political parties and from the Orange Order to call out unacceptable behavior and to confront this issue.”