Police approve Jerusalem gay parade

Police approval for a gay pride parade in Jerusalem drew hundreds of fervently Orthodox protesters into the city’s streets.The police gave their go-ahead for the June 21 march late Wednesday after extensive consultations over the risks. Religious residents of Israel’s capital vigorously oppose the annual parade. Seven thousand police personnel are to be ordered into Jerusalem to secure the event.Protesters on the streets promised escalated demonstrations as the parade nears.According to the approved plans, there will be a brief pride march near the King David Hotel followed by a rally in a nearby park. Protests forced the cancellation of last year’s parade, which was relocated to a closed sports stadium.