Israel’s High Court petitioned for equal marriage
Israelis take part in the 12th anniversary Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem on September 18, 2014. (THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images)
Israel’s High Court has been petitioned by an NGO to legalise same-sex marriage.
The High Court of Justice was on Sunday petitioned by the Aguda, an NGO also referred to as the National LGBT Task Force.
The documents claim that current laws discriminate against gay couples by stopping them from marrying, and in doing so are unconstitutional.
According to the Aguda’s petition, if the rabbinical court will not recognise same-sex marriages, they should be recognised by civil law.
Lawyers for the Aguda argued that in accordance with previous rulings, the High Court has the authority to approve marriages in civil court.
The director of the Taskforce Oded Fried, said the group is petitioning the High Court because marriage is a fundamental right and should be afforded to everyone.
“The reality we live in is absurd; on the one hand, the rabbinical courts do not recognise same-sex marriages, and on the other hand, are reluctant to give up the exclusive jurisdiction to recognise them. It’s time for members of the LGBT community to be citizens with equal rights,” he said.
The Aguda has said if its petition is successful, it will continue to campaign to abolish the requirement for marriages and divorces to go through religious courts.
