KESHET UK: Israel is a generally progressive country where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people live freely and openly. British laws against homosexuality were inherited when Israel was founded in 1948. These were formally repealed in 1988.
Protection against discrimination
LGBT couples in Israel have the same pension, inheritance and medical rights as heterosexual couples. This includes equal access to fertility treatment for lesbian women. Since 2005, LGBT people have been able to adopt each other’s children and enjoy full rights as parents. In 1992, employment discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation was outlawed. Inclusion of LGBT people in the Israeli military has been formally accepted since 1993. LGBT people now serve openly in the army, navy and air force, with the same rights as those in heterosexual relationships for their partners.
Same-sex marriage
There is no system of civil marriage in Israel. Marriages can only be performed under the auspices of a small number of recognised religious communities. Israel does, however, recognise those performed in other countries and since 2007 has given full legal recognition to same-sex marriages in this context. LGBT couples may not be able to marry inside Israel, but in 2012 an Israeli family court granted the first same- sex divorce in the country. In 2013, a trans- woman, Chen Arizona, married her husband in a ceremony that was broadcast on national television news. Religious attitudes » | Keshet UK | Undated
Keshet UK is the forum working to champion the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and questioning people in all areas of Jewish life in the United Kingdom.
For more information visit keshet.org.uk or contact info@keshet.org.uk
