A parallel crack in bonded dissimilar orthotropic planes under out-of-plane loading is analyzed. The problem is formulated by Fourier integral transforms, and reduced to a pair of dual integral equations. By solving the integral equations, the asymptotic stress and displacement fields near the crack tip are determined in closed form, from which the stress intensity factor and energy release rate are obtained. Discontinuity in the stress intensity factor as the distance ratio h/a of the parallel crack approaches zero is found, while the energy releas rate is shown to be continuous at h/a = 0. This information can immediately be used to generate the stress intensity factor for the parallel crack near the interface. By employing "the maximum energy release rate criterion", it could be shown in the case of no existing crack initially that the parallel crack is formed far from the interface for the more compliant material, while it is formed close to the interface for the stiffer material. material.