He was under increasing pressure to act after a stand-off between the two sides that lasted almost two weeks.
His decision was welcomed by Sinn Féin and the SDLP, but DUP leader Gavin Robinson said he now had to “explain what his government intends to do to restore confidence in the rule of law”.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the decision would come as a “significant relief” to the community on Garvaghy Road.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant speaks to the PA on Friday evening, at his home in his constituency. (Image: PA)
Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson told the Press Association on Friday night that an emergency judicial review was planned against Sir Chris’ decision.
The parade commission ruled two weeks ago that the march could pass along the road in Co Armagh with restrictions in place.
But the parade, from Drumcree Church to Portadown, did not happen because of a large protest on the route.
Earlier on Friday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher asked the Northern Ireland Secretary to review the determination.
Announcing his decision, Sir Chris said on PA: “Everyone will have seen over the last two weeks that there has been a huge standoff and a difficult situation in Drumcree and Portadown.
“I tried to find a solution to the stand-off.
“I have both sides of the argument, both the Garvaghy Road residents and the Orange Order.
“We talked about it, tried to find a solution, and unfortunately we couldn’t do that.”
He added: “Earlier today the head of the PSNI contacted me and asked me to look at the original decision of the Parades Commission to see if it should still stand, and I looked at the changing situation in Portadown, the fact that it is very difficult for this procession to continue, and I decided that it was not in the public interest, and I therefore banned it.
He said he did not take the decision lightly.
He said: “As the courts have confirmed, the Portadown district had a legal determination from the Parades Commission which allowed the procession.
“I would like to thank Portadown LOL No 1 for their peaceful and law-abiding approach and their co-operation on all points with the PSNI.
“Respect for the rule of law is fundamental in our society and I am grateful to those who behaved peacefully and lawfully and tried to relieve tension in their respective communities. Those who acted illegally should face the consequences of their actions.
“I am also grateful to all those who participated in good faith in the negotiations at Hillsborough.
“I have heard the concerns of people on all sides and my only regret is that we could not reach a compromise on a way forward and that many residents felt anxious and worried about Portadown.
“With this in mind, I call for an end to all protests, rallies and demonstrations. There is no excuse to build up further tension.”
(Left to right) Sinn Fein members Conor Murphy, John O’Dowd, Mary Lou McDonald, Gerry Kelly and Michelle O’Neill during a visit to Garvaghy Road in Portadown. (Image: PA)
PSNI Chief Constable Mr Boutcher welcomed the decision.
He said: “I highlighted that the current and ongoing costs and impact on the Police Service of Northern Ireland were significant and in the context of our existing funding challenges could not be sustained indefinitely.
“I welcome the decision of the Secretary of State, the last two weeks have had a strong impact on the relations within and between the municipalities and the police.
“It is in everyone’s interest that time and space be created now for conversations about finding long-term solutions to this complex and sensitive issue.”
Sir Chris’ decision was met with cheers at Drumcree Community Center on Garvaghy Road on Friday night.
In a joint statement, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald and vice-president Michelle O’Neill said: “Today belongs to the residents of Garvaghy Street who have shown remarkable strength and dignity in the face of provocation and intimidation.
“There is a tremendous sense of relief in the community this evening.
“For two weeks, local residents have been experiencing fear and anxiety through their own guilt. They never asked for this wound to be reopened, but they faced these challenges with courage, determination and tremendous resilience.
“They now need time and space to heal and recover.”
But DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the rule of law in Northern Ireland had been “fatally undermined”.
He said: “The Chief Constable’s decision to refer the matter to the Secretary of State and his conclusion that the parade cannot go ahead is a direct result of republican agitation, mobilization and the looming threats of potential violence.
“These decisions are a mistake, and send deep signals that the country should run on strength of numbers and who shouts the loudest.
“The framework for both parades and protests now lies in perpetrators and the rule of law is fundamentally undermined.”
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Mr Robinson added: “The Secretary of State must explain what his Government intends to do to restore confidence in the rule of law.”
SDLP leader Claire Hanna said the decision should have been made two weeks ago.
She added: “The reality is that this parade should never have been allowed in the first place and it should never happen again.
“What followed was weeks of unnecessary tension, disruption to residents’ lives, enormous pressure on the police and damage to community relations that will take time to repair.”
Breandán Mac Cionnaith of the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition said rerouting the parade away from the road was the only “sensible, reasonable and logical outcome”.
Taoiseach Mr Martin said he was pleased it had been closed to residents of Garvaghy Road.
He said: “I also want to acknowledge that the Secretary of State’s decision will be a disappointment to some, including members of Portadown Lodge and others.
“The events of the past two weeks have been a stark reminder of the essential work of reconciliation.
“My focus in the near future is to redouble efforts to build understanding and consensus across communities and political traditions around a common future for all who live on this island.
“I encourage and welcome the participation of all political and community leaders in this work.”
Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee welcomed the “security” that brought about the decision to ban the Drumcree parade.
She said: “It is important to recognize that the situation on the ground has remained peaceful and secure at all times.
“That was only possible because of tremendous work by people from across the community and across the political spectrum and of course the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“I know personally the burden this has placed on individuals and communities and we owe them our thanks.”