Queen’s reverses Orange collarette ban for Remembrance Sunday service

Queen’s University has reversed its ban on Orange collarettes for the Remembrance Sunday service on Sunday 8 November. Members of the procession will be allowed to wear them after the university reconsidered its dress code following further feedback, Belfast Telegraph reports.

The original order of service had stated that “collarettes are not to be worn”. Queen’s said the change to marching dress had followed requests from some veterans and serving Armed Forces members to reflect Royal British Legion guidance on orders, decorations, miniatures and medals.

Explaining the reversal, the university said it had heard from a wider range of stakeholders and recognised the importance of collarettes to some participants.

Queen’s marks Remembrance Sunday each year by placing a wreath at its war memorial and lighting the Lanyon Building in tribute to those who have served in conflicts past and present.

Unionist representatives challenged restriction

DUP MLA Phillip Brett welcomed the reversal, calling it “a welcome victory for common sense”. He said discussions with senior management had helped secure the change, but questioned how the restriction had been agreed and called for lessons to be learned.

Before the reversal, on Tuesday 27 October, Young Unionist chairman Jay Basra had sought an explanation from Queen’s. He said members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 had attended previous services wearing collarettes without problems.

Basra criticised the restriction as a setback for inclusion and respect, saying those affected appeared to be the only group facing limits on their clothing.

The TUV also wrote to university authorities to question the policy. It said the Orange Society had worn collarettes at the event since at least 2014 and had never been told of concerns about either its participation or its insignia.

Source: Belfast Telegraph