Thousands march in Jerusalem Pride parade, first under Israel's most right-wing govt ever
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Transcript
00:00 The streets of Jerusalem transformed into an all-out pride party with some 30,000 revelers
00:07 in attendance.
00:08 It was an unprecedented turnout at the annual event, which is usually more low-key than
00:12 the one in Tel Aviv.
00:16 During Thursday's march, the first pride parade under Israel's new far-right government,
00:21 demonstrators were keen to send a message of defiance.
00:23 "There are people who are very much homophobic and very much transphobic who are in the government
00:30 today and hold positions of power and budget and are working against us actively right
00:34 now."
00:35 One man has been a particularly divisive figure.
00:39 Despite being told by the gay community to stay away, Israel's security minister Itmar
00:43 Ben-Gavir walked on the sidelines of the march.
00:47 During previous editions, he joined protesters opposing the event.
00:52 This year, he was jeered with chants of shame.
00:55 "My policy, which I have announced also to the police and which will be implemented,
01:01 is to allow freedom of speech also to those who oppose the march, those who speak against
01:07 it.
01:08 It is their right as long as they don't break the law."
01:12 Several anti-gay protesters sought to rain on Thursday's parade.
01:16 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to protect gay rights, but his government's
01:22 conservative make-up continues to worry the LGBTQ+ community.
01:28 Their fears have been exacerbated by the controversial judicial reform, which opponents fear will
01:32 water down democracy, leaving minorities like the LGBTQ+ community more vulnerable.