Supreme Court Gives Israel Two Months To Rethink Gay Adoption Policy
Image by Getty Images
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s Supreme Court has given the government two months to reconsider its opposition to allowing same-sex couples to adopt in the country.
The decision Tuesday comes a day after the state told the court Monday that the government remains opposed to allowing same-sex couples to adopt, claiming that their decision “takes into account the reality of Israeli society and the difficulty it may entail with regard to the child being adopted.”
Welfare and Social Affairs Minister Haim Katz asked the court Tuesday for an extension to re-examine the issue, saying he wanted to seek more professional opinions.
Amir Ohana, the first openly gay Likud lawmaker and a gay rights activist, said Tuesday that he would not vote with the government coalition until the recommendation opposed to same-sex couples adopting is changed.
Same-sex couples can be approved for adoption, but they can only adopt children for whom a heterosexual couple cannot be found. Consequently, same-sex couples are generally offered special needs or at-risk children, or older children who cannot be placed. Many same-sex couples adopt babies from other countries.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
