The Knesset plenum is expected to debate and vote Wednesday on an amendment to the Basic Law on Jerusalem that would allow the city to prevent demonstrations that offend the capital's residents, including the much-contested gay pride parade.

The amendment, introduced by National Union-National Religious Party MK Eliahu Gabbay, would authorized the Jerusalem city council to ban any marches and demonstrations due if they are deemed likely to cause public disorder or offend the residents, as well as for religious reasons.

The Ministerial Committee on Legislation decided several days ago that the government would support the bill. Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann, however, has asked to appeal the decision to the full cabinet, although the cabinet has yet discussed the issue.

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Therefore, coalition MKs will likely be able to vote their conscience, significantly increasing the chances that the bill will pass.

The fact that bill is being introduced as an Basic Law amendment will make it very difficult for the High Court of Justice to overrule it.