CATHOLIC parishioners have called on Glasgow City Council to review Orange Order parade routes.

The call comes following the recent hate crime attack on a priest on Saturday.

During the attack, Canon Tom White - of St Alphonsus Church in the Barras area of the city - was spat on twice before being lunged at by a man with a baton.

READ MORE: Petition to ban Orange Walk in Glasgow after priest hate crime breaks 50,000-signature mark

The incident even prompted the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland to condemn the actions.

Now, the Parish Pastoral Councils of St Mary’s and St Alphonsus’ have issued a joint statement, urging the local authority to direct future parades away from the East End.

The joint statement said: “While we welcome the statement by the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland condemning the assaults on Canon Tom, as a community, we are distressed and deeply saddened that, in the 21st century, we are unable to exercise our human rights of freedom of association, freedom of assembly and the right to celebrate our faith free from intimidation and violence.

READ MORE: Pressure grows on Orange Order following attack on priest

“We also ask the Scottish Parliament to take steps to ensure all those exercising their right to religious freedom will be protected by the appropriate statutory authorities.”

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “Our job is to manage the process within the legislation and working with the police and organisers to try and mitigate against potential risk and disturbances.”

Over 50,000 people have signed a petition in under 48 hours to ban the Orange Walk in Glasgow.

The change.org petition states: “Police are investigating after claims a priest was assaulted during an Orange Walk.

“On that day, thousands lined the streets of Glasgow for Scotland’s biggest Orange Walk, spreading bigotry and division.

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“Now is the time to have a real debate on how we can stop this outdated and repressive display.

“Glasgow City Council must act to stop these marches. They have a long history of spreading anxiety and fear amongst everyday Glaswegians.

“There is no room in our society for this type of bigotry and division.

“Sign the petition and call time on the Orange Order marching on our streets!

In the wake of the petition, the council said a meeting with council officers will be held this week “as it’s perhaps time to review our procedures in light of a number of factors.”