Jerusalem: Israel's Supreme Court refused Monday to issue an injunction barring gays from holding a pride march in Jerusalem this Thursday. The ultra-right National Jewish Front and the city of Jerusalem filed separate briefs with the high court asking to have the parade cancelled. The National Jewish Front in its brief called the parade a "a provocation," and said the parade would cause civil unrest.

During a hearing Monday Justice Ayala Procaccia said there must be a balance "between the desires of the gay and lesbian community to march, and the feelings of the city's residents. It is important that such parades become a matter of routine instead of causing a commotion every year."

Religious extremists have attempted to stop the parade in the past. Last year, moments before the gay pride march was to begin in Jerusalem police arrested a man carrying a homemade bomb. Police said the 32 year old said he planned to detonate it near the parade route to scare people away.