Israel refuses to ban gay pride parade

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/126171,CST-NWS-gay07.article

JERUSALEM -- Israel's attorney general refused to ban a gay pride parade in Jerusalem despite threats of violence from ultra-Orthodox Jews, instructing police and gay activists to try to work out a compromise, the police commander said Sunday.

A Justice Ministry statement said Attorney General Meni Mazuz ordered police to meet with gay activists ''to work out a reasonable alternative proposal'' for the march, set for Friday on a route through the middle of the city. The meeting was to take place Monday, gay activists said, and a compromise was likely.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews have rioted in Jerusalem nearly every night over the past week, burning garbage cans, blocking roads and assaulting police officers in an attempt to get the authorities to call off the march, approved months ago by the Supreme Court. Many religious Jews, Muslims and Christians see homosexuality as a sin and the march as an affront to the sanctity of the holy city.

[acmejack]

1. When I was in Haifa, I was surprised by how liberal it was.

Obviously I was under a misconception, it was just like an American town. I had a really great time there, it seemed surprisingly liberal. I know I partied down!

I am certainly pleased to see this decision from the Israeli AG.

[NOLADEM]

2. Nice to see.