(Israeli) High Court rules same-sex adoption must be allowed, in landmark decision

[Behind the Aegis]

In a landmark decision, the High Court of Justice ruled unanimously on Thursday that same-sex couples may adopt children under the terms of a 1981 adoption law.

The court re-interpreted the current law that, if read literally, excludes same-sex couples from adopting children, and asserted that the legislation’s true intent was to ensure the good of the adopted child.

In light of modern understandings of child welfare, the law could be interpreted as allowing for same-sex adoption, the court said.

The issue of same-sex adoption has been the subject of a long running political and legal battle in Israel, and Thursday’s ruling was warmly welcomed by LGBTQ rights groups as well as the Reform Movement in Israel, who’s legal arm led the challenges to the law.

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[madaboutharry]

1. "...the High Court of Justice ruled unanimously..."

An important moment for all the loving couples who can now become parents.

Though, the comment section about this ruling in The Times of Israel made me sad. Too many people can't bring themselves to embrace love.

[yardwork]

2. Is Israel the only country in the Middle East that has any gay rights?

[Behind the Aegis]

3. In all of Asia.

Well, there are a few countries that don't murder their Queer population, but most of that continent is very anti-gay. As for the Middle East, yes, Israel is the only country with outstanding laws regarding the Queer community. A few anti-Semites who left for JPR would love to point out that a few ME countries "accepted" gay people, but that wasn't really accurate. There is a HUGE difference between "accepted" and "legal".

All same-sex activity is legal in Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Turkey.

Male same-sex activity is illegal and punishable by imprisonment in Kuwait, Egypt, Oman and Syria. It is also punishable by death in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In Yemen and the Gaza Strip, the punishment might differ between death and imprisonment depending on the act committed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_the_Middle_East

"Honor" killings have taken place in many of those countries, including the West Bank, against gay men.