Commodore Royal Bahamas Defence Force and others v Laramore [2017] UKPC 13

Peter Knox QC acting for the appellants in this Privy Council appeal from the Bahamas.

Lord Mance: “Colours parades have been a tradition in the Royal Bahamian Defence Force (“the Force”) since its creation in 1980. They occur regularly on 14 occasions a week, on four of which occasions (spread over three days) Christian prayers are also said at one point in the parade. There are also ceremonial parades involving the Force during which “ceremonial prayers” are said. The present case concerns the regular weekly colours parades. During these parades, immediately prior to prayers, instructions are given “Parade Off Caps” and “Stand at ease” or “Stand easy”, followed immediately after prayers by “Parade Ho!”, at which the parade comes to attention and “Parade on Caps”.”

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