A bitterly opposed Protestant parade was last night barred from going past nationalist homes in north Belfast.
Members of the Apprentice Boys wanted to march through the flashpoint Ardoyne district next week.
But amid fears of new trouble after sectarian rioting erupted in the area last month, Northern Ireland's Parades Commission blocked the procession.
The decision issued last night stated: "The \ Commission has cause to believe that should the parade process without restriction there will be an adverse effect on fragile community relations, and potential for public disorder."
One band and the Ligoniel Walkers Club branch of the loyal order had applied to parade past the Ardoyne shops before going to Derry to join the main demonstration on August 14th.
Although the march has been trouble-free in recent years, the violence at Ardoyne during Orange Order Twelfth of July celebrations had a major bearing on the decision.
More than 20 police officers were injured in Belfast's worst disturbances for two years as nationalist youths rioted as loyalists marched through the area.
A brief statement issued by the Apprentice Boys Association criticised the ruling.
"It would seem that the Parades Commission has once again capitulated to the threat of violence in Belfast and across the country.
"A full statement will be issued once the content of \ determinations have been fully digested."
Sinn Féin, which had vowed to oppose the procession along with nationalist residents, insisted a sensible decision had been taken.
The party's north Belfast MLA, Mr Gerry Kelly, said: "This was the only sensible decision to make. There should be no acquiescence to threats of violence from the Orange Order or unionist paramilitaries." - (PA)