Rabbi to mayor: I’ll pay the gays

Leading Rabbi Elyashiv backs Jerusalem mayor’s decision to ban gay pride parade, says he will pay fine imposed by court; Lupolianski declines offer

By Ilan Marciano|Published: 06.27.05 , 12:15

JERUSALEM - Leading rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv came out in support of Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski’s decision to ban the annual gay pride parade in the capital and offered to pay a fine imposed on the mayor in connection with the affair.

Lupolianski, however, declined the offer.

The mayor objected to the gay pride parade on the grounds that it would undermine the capital’s sanctity, but the Jerusalem District Court ruled the event must go ahead as planned and ordered City Hall to pay NIS 60,000 (approximately USD 13,000) to Jerusalem Open House, the group that petitioned the court over the matter.

The court also ordered Lupolianski pay half the fine out of his own pocket.

Mayor says he has no regrets

Elyashiv, who attended Lupolianski’s grandson’s brit (circumcision) ceremony, lauded the mayor for his stance on the controversial issue. Lupolianski’s close associates said the mayor does not regret his objection to the parade and is planning to conduct himself in a similar manner in the future.

“It’s a pity that the judge wasn’t able to broaden her horizons and realize the damage inflicted on Jerusalem by the parade,” the mayor was quoted as saying to associates.

The gay pride parade is scheduled to take place in the capital on Thursday. Earlier this year, the Open House postponed the World Gay Pride Parade slated to be held in the capital in the summer in light of security constraints, as the event was scheduled to coincide with the pullout plan.

Hagai El-Ad, executive director of the Jerusalem Open House, said the court decision "is a victory, not only for the gay and lesbian community, but also a victory for freedom of expression. All those who truly hold Jerusalem dear to them will join in celebrating together on June 30, at the fourth annual Jerusalem Pride: Love Without Borders.”

Program of events for "Jerusalem Pride" Day Thursday

6:30 p.m. - Assembly at the top of Ben Yehuda Street
7 p.m. - March through downtown Jerusalem along Ben Yehuda, King George and Keren Hayesod Streets to Liberty Bell Park
8 p.m. - Rally and festival at Liberty Bell Park