Israeli Parliament okays law banning pride parade

by ryan | June 6, 2007 at 01:48 pm

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In years past the Jerusalem gay pride parade has sparked major controversy and protest amongst extreme elements of the religious communities, both Jewish and not. In what is touted as a way of preventing future protest and violence, but what could be seen as a manifestation of bigotry, Israeli parliamentarians have voted to ban future pride parades.

Two bills aimed at preventing gay pride parade from being held in Jerusalem, and across Israel, approved in first reading by Knesset Wednesday. 'This bill is meant to prevent bloodshed and internal strife,' NRP MK explains. The
proposed amendment to Basic Law: Jerusalem, initiated by MK Gabbay,
would enable the Jerusalem municipal council to ban parades and rallies
in town for considerations of disturbance to public order, offending
the public's sensitivities or for religious considerations. 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 in the country.

The bills were submitted by MK Eliahu Gabbay (National Union-NRP) and Shas MKs.The Shas bill is more comprehensive and calls for a ban on pride
parades throughout the country. The bill was also approved, with 41 MKs
voting for it and 21 opposed.Forty MKs voted for Gabbay's bill and 23 opposed.

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."