PSNI says ‘no crime’ in videos showing anti-Catholic music and sectarian chanting – The Irish News

Questions have been raised after the PSNI said anti-Catholic music played by loyalist bands and sectarian singing at a social club in Co Derry were not criminal offences.

SDLP police board member Mark H Durkan spoke out after the PSNI failed to take action in recent months over various incidents involving sectarian tunes being played by loyalist bands.

There were calls for action after loyalists were filmed chanting “F*** the Pope and Virgin Mary” at a club affiliated with Irish football club Coleraine FC in August.

Footage also emerged of a song glorifying the UVF being sung on a stage.

During the event, a Scottish loyalist band also played a sectarian tune, including the hateful “No Pope of Rome”.

The offensive tune, which mocks the Catholic faith, contains the lyrics “No, no Pope of Rome, no chapels to make my eyes sad, no nuns and no priests, no rosary beads, every day is the twelfth of July.”

Some bystanders chanted the sectarian lyrics while others waved union flags and shouted “fuck the Pope and the Virgin Mary.”

At the time, the PSNI said the incident was “being treated as a sectarian-motivated hate incident”.

Weeks later a loyalist band was filmed playing the same anti-Catholic anthem at a parade in Co Down.

The Hillhaven Flute Band, based in Co Armagh, played the sectarian tune during a parade in Banbridge last month.

Some bystanders seemed to sing along as “No Pope of Rome” played.

Despite the sectarian nature of the music played, the PSNI has now stated that no crime was committed at any of the events.

A spokeswoman said: “The content of the videos, which were investigated in relation to possible hate incidents, did not constitute a criminal offence.”

Mr Durkan said he was confused by the PSNI position.

“It is difficult to understand that engaging in hate speech and sectarian chanting is not considered a hate crime by the PSNI,” he said.

“The confusion over what exactly constitutes a hate crime highlights the need for stand-alone hate crime legislation that clearly defines these issues.

“This would remove confusion for both police and the public and ensure anyone who commits hate is dealt with appropriately.”

When contacted the PSNI said it had nothing to add to its previous statement.

Earlier this year, three men were convicted of singing a “vile” song that mocked the 2011 murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius.

Ms McAreavey, a daughter of former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, was killed while on her honeymoon.

In May 2022, several people were recorded taking part in a song about her murder at an Orange Hall in east Belfast.

In recent weeks, police have been proactive in combating sectarianism targeting other faith groups affiliated with minority communities.

Last month the force removed sectarian and racist posters targeting Muslims in Rathcoole, on the edge of north Belfast.

The grim posters warned anyone who “facilitates the settlement of Muslims or illegals in our areas will be held accountable.”

Also last month, the PSNI faced questions after officers in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, removed racist signs but ignored sectarian banners glorifying the nearby UVF.