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Photo: Shaul Golan
Dana Olmert
Photo: Shaul Golan
Photo: Gil Yochanan
Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem
Photo: Gil Yochanan

PM's daughter slams lack of support for gay parade

Speaking to Army Radio, Dana Olmert says achievement of parade is that haredi gays and lesbians know they are not alone

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's daughter Dana told Army Radio on Sunday that the struggle of the homosexual community in Israel has just began, charging that the community's rights remain violated.

 

"There is a continuing history of violence and hatred, there is homophobia. Coming out of the closet is not a one-time struggle," Dana, a lesbian, said.

 

She said: "I thought it is important to tell those who were not there what those who were there felt. I was happy to be there with the sweetest people there is.

 

"But on the other hand there is a sad feeling in that they took us into a closed area. It was a feeling of being in jail. At the entrance we were asked to put on a pink ribbon and the feeling was that the event is too sterile."

 

She claimed that a violent campaign was waged against the community and the event's organizers.

 

"After what happened I am sure the community's leader should not give up and therefore we have to march. The fear campaign is a problem. The fact that we were distanced from the public teaches us that something in the separation war succeeded, and that's what turned the event into a bitter victory …

 

"I think that the community was offended in this struggle but there is another side to that. Now, homosexual and lesbian haredim, and there are haredi homosexuals and lesbian, know they are not alone in the world."

 

Olmert said that the media presented both sides in an equal manner boosted haredim opposing the parade.

 

"There is on the one hand a group of people who want to march without violence, and their message is not one of hate. And on the other hand there is a group of people who express themselves violently – and the media presents both sides in a politically correct manner. I believe the media should take a stance."

 

She was asked about her father's silence over the issue and his unwillingness to support the community.

 

"I would have been happy if, as Eliyahui Yishai called it 'the abomination parade', someone had answered him from the government system … I don't like to speak as the daughter of my father. I don't act in the public sphere as such, but I keep to myself the right to express myself when I think I am right and this is one such time."

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.12.06, 14:39
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