'Gays in Jerusalem? Sanctity in Tel Aviv'
Haredim, extreme-right activists plan to protest gay pride parade in Tel Aviv Friday. 'They're not the only ones who can cause provocations,' say representatives of parade opposers
The protest organizations plan to bring animals with them to illustrate to those participating that they are performing an "unnatural, animal-like act," as they call it.
The Knesset approved Wednesday in a first reading two bills aimed at preventing the gay pride parade from taking place in Jerusalem, and in any other place across Israel. The bills were submitted by MK Eliahu Gabbay (National Union-National Religious Party) and Shas MKs.
The Prime minister's Office stated that "Prime Minister Ehud Olmert does not think that Jerusalem is the appropriate location for holding gay pride parades due to the special sensitive nature of the city, although he believes that such matters should not be limited by law."
The protesters said they intend to come to Tel Aviv and protest what is now considered a norm in the city and that they plan to rally against the "defilement, impurity and abomination".
Extreme-right activists Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel petitioned the Yarkon District Police, asking that the rally be allowed to take place in the same location as the parade.
"We have decided to cross to the secular, leftist field because they have to understand that they're not the only ones how can cause provocations," sources in the joint headquarters against the parade told Ynet on Wednesday.
"We've abstained from demonstrating in Tel Aviv in previous years, but if the gays can come to Jerusalem, there is no reason that sanctity can’t come to Tel Aviv."
Tensions run high as the gay pride parade in Jerusalem is only a fortnight away. The Jerusalem police have yet to decide on the parade's route and format.
The approval of the bills preventing gay pride parades from taking place caused tempers to run high in the Knesset as well. MK Avshalom Vilan (Meretz) called the decision "a disgraceful time for the Knesset. The law is anti-constitutional and we must exert efforts to ensure that the legislation procedure does not go any further."
MK Chaim Oron (Meretz) said, "The Knesset is irresponsibly legislating laws that violate basic rights. The problem lies not with those who proposed the bills… but with the government and members of the coalition who have joined forces to pass bills that no other democratic country would approve."
