Somewhat old, but good news.
JERUSALEM (Zenit.org) — A “gay pride” parade destined for the streets of Jerusalem went no further than a university’s sports stadium.
Organizers backed down from today’s scheduled event following the pleas of Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious leaders who called such a public display in the holy city offensive.
The Holy See sent an appeal to Israeli authorities to cancel the parade, explaining that “it constitutes a grave affront to the sentiments of millions of Jewish, Muslim and Christian believers, who recognize the particular sacred character of the city of Jerusalem and request that their conviction be respected.”
On Wednesday, the Apostolic Nunciature in Israel also sent a note that called on authorities “to prevent immodest parades and any overt actions which offend the sensibilities of religious communities that reside in Jerusalem and hold her dear.”
The Associated Press reported that the police had planned to post 9,000 officers to protect marchers. Authorities asked organizers to scale back the gathering amid reprisal threats after errant Israeli artillery shells killed 18 Palestinian civilians in Gaza on Wednesday.
Organizers agreed Thursday to turn the public parade into a rally, held inside a closed stadium.