Gay Israel

Gay Israel

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    Israel is one of the most inclusive societies in the world for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Israel adamantly protects the rights of its gay citizens, and the LGBT community is represented in the highest echelons and in all facets of Israeli society.
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    Gay Israel Gay Israel
     
     
    ​Israel is one of the most inclusive societies in the world for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. As early as the 1960s, same-sex couples lived in Israel freely and without fear of persecution. The Gay Revolution of the 1980s brought Israel's LGBT community full recognition of their human rights, as well as legal and social equality to individuals and families. Today, Tel Aviv is considered the "Gay Capital of the Middle East", thanks to its thriving and supported LGBT community, playing an integral role in Israeli society.

    Israel adamantly protects the rights of its gay citizens, and the LGBT community is represented in the highest echelons and in all facets of Israeli society - from serving openly in the military (since 1993), to government, business, entertainment and the arts.

    The first annual Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv was celebrated in 1998. Since 2002, a Gay Pride Parade has been celebrated in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities throughout Israel. Today, the Tel Aviv Pride Parade is the largest on the continent of Asia, with over 100,000 participants from around the globe.

    Out magazine has named Israeli pop star Ivri Lider, film director Eytan Fox, and TV star Assi Azar on their top -100 list of inspiring gays and lesbians.​


     
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    ​Anti-Discrimination Law

    An amendment to the Libel and Slander Law, enacted in 1997, broadened the prohibition of uttering and publishing defamation and slander, motivated by the sexual orientation of a person. Moreover, the law specifies that every violent crime, motivated by sexual orientation, shall be considered a hate crime, doubling the punishment.


    Gays in Israeli Society

    1. Gay Israelis have served openly in the Israeli military since 1993. Israel fully recognizes the partners of gay soldiers and officers.
    2. The Equal Opportunities in Employment Act of 1992 forbids discrimination in the workplace on account of sexual orientation.
    3. Same-sex couples hold the same legal rights, privileges and obligations as different-sex couples, from hospital visitation rights to taxes and inheritance.
    4. Gay citizens serve as Members of Parliament, judges, and public officials. A large number of openly gay diplomats represent Israel throughout the world and their spouses and children are fully recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    5. Same-sex parents are recognized for what they are - parents - and through an accessible adoption process, are legally supported as a family with full parental rights. Lesbian couples receive the same fertility benefits as different-sex couples.
    6. Gays and lesbians experiencing persecution throughout the Middle East often seek refuge in Israel.


    Protection of Gay Families

    Gay couples enjoy recognition by the Israeli courts and are entitled to:

    1. The Right to Adopt: Israel's Family Courts fully recognize adoptions carried out by same-sex couples.
    2. Marriage Recognition: In the absence of civil marriage in Israel, the Israeli Supreme Court recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad.
    3. Social Security: Israeli law fully equates same-sex couples to different-sex ones in matters of retirement and widowhood pensions, and medical services.
    4. Inheritance: Israel's courts, with the consent of the Attorney General, recognize the full right of same-sex spouses to inherit the property of the other.  


    Gay Rights in Israel

    • Equal rights, privileges and obligations
    • Equal employment opportunities
    • Equal civil and military service
    • Equal adoption rights
    • Defense of the same-sex family
    • Marriage recognition


    Organizations and Resources



    Gay Israel Timeline

    1975: The first Israeli LGBT Association (The Aguda) is founded
    1988: Israeli Gay Revolution begins. 
    1992: Knesset outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace
    1993: Israel Defense Force (IDF) implements anti-discrimination policy in the Israeli army
    1994: Supreme Court grants spousal benefits to same-sex couples
    1998: Israeli transgender superstar, Dana International, wins Eurovision Song Contest
    2000: Supreme Court recognizes same-sex partners as adoptive parents.
    2002:  First openly gay Member of Israeli Parliament elected.
    2004: Tel Aviv Court rules that the government cannot deport the foreign same-sex partner of an Israeli citizen
    2006: Gay marriages performed abroad are recognized in Israel
    2008: Full adoption rights granted to gay couples
    2010: Out magazine recognizes Tel Aviv as the most gay-friendly city in the Middle East
    2011: First openly gay judge appointed
    2011: Israel hosts the Largest Gay Pride parade on the Continent of Asia with over 100,000 participants from around the globe