Same-sex marriage in Israel

Same-sex marriage in Israel is currently unlikely since all marriages in Israel are performed under the auspices of the religious authority of the religion to which the couple belongs. The religious authority for Jewish marriages is the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and there are parallel authorities for Christians and Muslims. These regulate all marriages and divorces for their own communities. Currently they all oppose same-sex marriages.

It is conceivable, though, that the views of one of these bodies may change at a future date and thus open up the possibility of a debate over same-sex marriage in Israel.

However, on November 21, 2006, the Supreme Court of Israel ordered the government to recognize same-sex marriages performed abroad. The case was filed by five male Israeli couples married in Canada. [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/21/africa/ME_GEN_Israel_Same_Sex_Marriages.php International Herald Tribune - Israel's Supreme Court approves same-sex marriages performed abroad] ] Though the ruling dealt with the registration of the marriage in Israel, it has been noted that it is for all practical purposes a full recognition since the fact of registration entitles married couples to a variety of rights.

At least one legislator suggested he would present a bill to the Knesset to attempt to overturn the court ruling.

ee also

*Civil unions in Israel
*LGBT rights in Israel

References