Thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Jews gather to listen to a rabbi's speech during a protest against the upcoming gay pride parade in Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday June 17, 2007.
Photo: AP
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Jerusalem Gay Parade Marches amid Controversy
Gay activists marched in a Gay Pride parade in central Jerusalem Thursday night amid protests by ultra-Orthodox Jews. Heavy police guard prevented any violent confrontation during the event.
An estimated 2,500 activists with rainbow flags cheered and sang as they walked just a few hundred meters along a street that goes in front of the historic King David Hotel.
Police in riot gear lined both sides of the street, part of the 7,000-strong force deployed throughout the city for the event which sparked controversy even before it began. Opposition to the march has turned violent in the past.
Marchers say they are exercising their civil rights while opponents insist the march profanes the city which is holy to the three monotheistic religions.
Across the city, a few hundred ultra-Orthodox Jews held their rally, bringing traffic to a standstill at the main entrance to Jerusalem. Trash bins were set on fire, and smoke of burning garbage wafted through the air.
23 ultra-Orthodox protestors were arrested Thursday. Two police officers were slightly injured, according to police reports.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of June 22, 2007
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