THE Parades Commission has repeatedly refused to explain why it allows contentious loyalist marches to go ahead without knowing the name of the organisers.
Almost 200 sensitive parades were permitted last year despite failures to correctly fill out forms.
It is feared loyalists are now routinely refusing to sign 11-1 'notice of intention' forms in an attempt to avoid liability if the parade breaches restrictions.
The Parades Commission has been asked on numerous occasions in recent weeks why it does not reject forms that are not completed. However, the commission has so far refused to explain its stance, saying only that it refers such matters to the PSNI.
SDLP justice spokesman and North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness called on the Parades Commission to address the "great public concern" over the issue. "The Parades Commission should be transparent in relation to its decision-making," he said.
"This is a serious public issue and it is important that the Parades Commission discloses the way in which it is thinking through these applications. "There is obviously great public concern about this and it is necessary that the Parades Commission satisfies that concern by making whatever disclosures it can in relation to its thinking."
Mr Maginness added that the Parades Commission should continue to be supported by the whole community and politicians in its role as the "safeguard between chaos in parading, regulation and good public order".