A suspected would-be bomber was arrested ahead of a Gay Pride parade that caused angry protests from right-wing religious protestors who blocked off streets and denounced the march as a “profanity” to the Holy City.
About 7,000 police amassed before the parade, outnumbering the estimated 5,000 gays, lesbians and activists taking part in the event. A postmarch rally in a park was cancelled for lack of fire service cover.
Israeli police said that they arrested an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man who was planning to bomb the event. “In his bag we discovered a homemade explosive device.” the said. “He admitted he planned on planting it on the route of the parade today.”
A further 15 people were arrested in the ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of Mea Shearim for throwing stones at the police. Over the past week, 130 people have been arrested, vehicles burnt and 24 police officers wounded in riots.
Jewish religious parties are trying to force a Bill through parliament that would ban events such as Gay Pride parades in the city. Dana Olmert, the lesbian daughter of the Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, said: “Questioning the right to hold Gay Pride in Jerusalem is the equivalent to asking, ‘why give women the right to vote?’ ” (AFP)
:-XI guess the voice of the people is raising some awareness and this issue will be solved soon.
Topic: Bomber arrested at Gay Pride rally amid angry protests by religious Right (Read 3229 times)