Homosexuals plan to stage a parade in Tel Aviv Friday in response to Jerusalem mayoralty candidate Arcadi Gaydamak's remarks that if he wins the race, homosexuals wanting to parade in the capital will have to do so "over his dead body."

Gaydamak "will see that we exist, are proud and cannot be stopped," homosexual leaders stated. They criticized the billionaire, saying that "it is easy for businessmen to attack our community and easy to create media spins on our backs and our rights." Meretz party officials are expected to join the parade.