Meeting with Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, represented by Grand Master Andrew Murray, Senior Depute Grand Master Edward McGonnell, and Executive Officer David Walters, met today with Siobhian Brown MSP, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, to raise urgent concerns about the growing number of hate crimes targeting the Orange and wider Protestant community. These incidents are now running at an all-time high compared to other religious groups in Scotland.

While the meeting was described as productive and constructive, we remain deeply frustrated that the First Minister continues to refuse to meet directly with our leadership to discuss this matter at the highest level.

During the meeting, we highlighted a series of serious incidents, including anti-Protestant vandalism, physical assaults, and a recent shooting in Kelvingrove which injured eight of our members. We also reiterated our long-standing call for cross-community working groups, bringing together representatives from all denominations and none, to foster greater understanding, respect, and tolerance of each other’s culture and way of life.

We expressed concern at the broader political response, noting that no political party is currently addressing the sharp rise in anti-Protestant hate crimes. We again call for meaningful engagement from the Scottish Government and all political leaders to ensure decisive action is taken.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland has set out the following key demands for urgent consideration:

1. Amendment of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 to explicitly recognise the Protestant community, particularly smaller groups such as the Loyal Orange Institution, as entitled to protection under the law.

2. Creation of a government compensation and protection fund for properties targeted in religiously motivated hate crimes, including support for the installation of CCTV and other safety measures for vulnerable organisations.

3. Funding for cross-community engagement and education projects, delivered in partnership with faith-based and secular organisations, to promote understanding and tolerance.

4. Establishment of a formal working group comprising representatives of the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and the Loyal Orange Institution to develop effective strategies for preventing and prosecuting anti-Protestant hate crimes.

5. Protestant representation in all future government consultations and panels dealing with hate crime, religious equality, and social cohesion.

6. Encouragement of responsible media engagement, calling on Scottish media outlets to end the demonisation of our community and instead raise awareness of the very real challenges we face.
   

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights and safety of our members and the wider Protestant community. We will continue to seek meaningful dialogue with the First Minister and senior government leaders to ensure that everyone in Scotland can live free from fear, discrimination, or hostility.

David Walters Executive Officer Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland