If you marched yesterday, maybe look away now…

The Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization, has a long and complex history that is deeply intertwined with sectarianism. Established in 1795 in County Armagh, the Order was founded in response to growing tensions between Protestant and Catholic communities. In what was referred to as ‘The Battle of the Diamond’, over thirty Catholics were killed.  A number of Protestants adjourned to a local pub and established the Orange Order. From its inception, the Orange Order played a significant role in exacerbating sectarian divisions and perpetuating a climate of hostility.

The Order takes its name from William of Orange, a Protestant king who defeated Catholic forces at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. This historical event became the symbolic foundation of the Orange Order, which sought to celebrate and uphold Protestant dominance in Ireland. Members of the Order, known as Orangemen, identified themselves as defenders of the Protestant faith and the British Crown, viewing Catholics as a threat to their cultural and political supremacy.

Sectarianism within the Orange Order manifested in various ways throughout history. One prominent example is the annual Twelfth of July parades, held to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne. While these parades were initially intended as a celebration of Protestant identity, they often provoked tension and violence, particularly in areas where Catholic communities resided. The parades were seen by Catholics as triumphalist displays, reinforcing divisions and fostering resentment.

The Order’s strict religious and political affiliation also contributed to sectarianism. To become a member of the Orange Order, one must be a Protestant and pledge allegiance to the British Crown. This exclusionary policy reinforced divisions between religious communities, perpetuating a sense of “us versus them” mentality. It created an environment where sectarian rhetoric and discriminatory attitudes towards Catholics thrived.

Sectarianism within the Orange Order reached its peak during periods of heightened political and social unrest. For example, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Northern Ireland experienced significant sectarian tensions as Irish nationalism and the Home Rule movement gained momentum. The Orange Order became a key force opposing Home Rule, further entrenching sectarian divisions and contributing to a climate of violence and animosity. Attempts by Orangemen and others to force a march down the Garvaghy Road led to the death of a Catholic taxi-driver, as well as the death of three young Catholic children from the Quinn family, who died when their home was set on fire.

It is important to note, however, that not all members of the Orange Order have engaged in sectarian behaviour. Many individuals have joined the organisation for reasons unrelated to sectarianism, such as a sense of community, cultural heritage, or just a mid-summer day out. Additionally, in recent years, efforts have been made to promote a more inclusive and tolerant image of the Order, emphasizing its cultural aspects rather than its divisive past.

Sectarianism, therefore,  has played a significant role in the history of the Orange Order. The organisation’s origins in response to sectarian tensions, its exclusive membership criteria, and its involvement in provocative parades have all contributed to perpetuating divisions between Protestant and Catholic communities. While progress has been made to address these issues, the legacy of sectarianism within the Orange Order remains an important aspect of its history.