JERUSALEM PRIDE’S ONGOING STRUGGLE

Both conservative groups and the city of Jerusalem are attempting to put an end to the city’s gay Pride celebration.

A conservative group has petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court to issue an injunction that will stop the march from occurring later this month.

The ultra right-wing group, the National Jewish Front (NJF), as well as the city of Jerusalem have filed separate briefs with the high court asking to have the parade cancelled.

In its brief, the NJF labeled the parade a ‘provocation’, while the city’s brief stated that the celebration might cause civil unrest.

In reference to the June 26 march, city spokesman Gidi Schemerling said: “We are against this parade which harms social relations.”

In 2005, an ultra-orthodox Jew stabbed three gay pride marchers and was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison. The following year, the venue was switched to a sports stadium following violent protests by ultra-orthodox Jews and rightwing opponents who consider the event “a profanity” of the Holy City.

Last year, about 2,500 gays, lesbians and activists marched down King David Street despite protests by thousands of people.

Jerusalem Open House, the gay rights activist group organising the event, said the parade would put Jerusalem and Israel “to the true test of democracy and civil rights.”

When asked about the recent difficulties surrounding the parade preparation, the group responded: “Though we expect the struggle to be tough, we will not let the threats of violence silence us or challenge Israeli democracy.”