Jerusalem: Ultra-Orthodox Jews hurled bags of foul-smelling liquid and threats of hellfire at marchers in Jerusalem's annual gay pride march on Thursday but the event passed without serious violence.
"A man was arrested on the spot for throwing bags of liquid at participants," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. "Apart from that there were no other incidents."
In 2005, an ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed three participants in the march and was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews consider the event to be an abomination and desecration of the Holy City.
Police estimated the number of marchers this year at 3,000 and said that 1,000 police were deployed to keep order.
Although the march was routed away from predominantly ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods, a small number of protesters held placards, including one reading, "Gays, they are waiting for you in hell."
Other opponents brought donkeys, symbolising their view of homosexuality as "a beastly act".
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, July 29, 2011, 12:57