YNetNews.com – Neta Sela
Ultra-Orthodox politicians join Islamic Movement, chief rabbi enlists pope. Result: Homosexuals, lesbians from across globe to apparently not march in capital
Political pressures have apparently worked: Ynet has learned that WorldPride 2006, the global gay pride parade, which was scheduled to be held next month in Jerusalem, is expected to move to Tel Aviv at the last moment.
Police officials confirmed that this was the apparent situation, but that a final decision has not yet been made.
Officially, sources at the police explained that the reason for moving the parade is the Jerusalem Police’s fear in light of the event’s size and complexity, which will make it difficult to secure it.
“Tel Aviv is more used to such events, and therefore it should take place there also this time,” a police official said.
However, Israel’s capital deals with complex local and international events on a weekly basis, so it appears that the reason for the change ? if it indeed takes place ? is more complicated.
Legal problems
Behind the scenes, politicians, public figures and rabbis worked against the parade. Even the pope got involved in the affair, following a letter sent to him by Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar. Now it appears that the parade’s opposers were also backed by Justice Minister Haim Ramon.
Ynet has learned that on Wednesday, Ramon met with Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai (Shas), who told Ramon that “indeed there is an issue of freedom of expression, but on the other hand there is also the public’s benefit.”