More than 2,000 people took part in a toned-down Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem on Thursday that drew only muted protest, in contrast to the violence the event had stirred in the past.

Unlike a flamboyant parade recently held in Tel Aviv, organisers were determined to enforce a dress code that would not draw claims of indecency from the Holy City's influential religious groups.

Men who doffed their shirts were promptly asked to put it back on.

Among the various groups in the parade, one held up banners proclaiming: "Proud to be gay and religious." "I'm here for the freedom of expression of our community which is victim of discrimination," said Noam, 29, who wore a Jewish yarmulke and a T-shirt with the words: "Jerusalem free and proud."

Several right-wing and religious groups had decided earlier not to demonstrate against this year's parade, though several dozen people did show up to express their outrage.

Some held up banners that read: "Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve."

No significant incident was reported, but public radio said one protester was detained for hurling an egg at the parade.

About 1,500 police were deployed along the parade route in central Jerusalem.

In 2005, an ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed three participants and was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison.

The following year the venue was switched to a sports stadium following violent protests by ultra-Orthodox Jews and rightwing opponents who consider the event a profanity of the Holy City.