Moshe Feiglin Defends Remarks on LGBTQ+ Rights with Temple Analogy

Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut party, responded Thursday to public outcry over his recent statements regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Feiglin drew a parallel between state funding for symbols associated with the LGBTQ+ community and the hypothetical funding of Temple Mount flags across Israel.

"Imagine if I declared a 'Temple Mount Month' and the entire country mobilized with budgets to place Temple Mount flags all over Israel," Feiglin stated, addressing the controversy. "What would they scream? Religious coercion. So when there's progressive coercion, it's okay?"

The controversy began after an interview with Channel 12 News where Feiglin commented on LGBTQ+ rights, suggesting it was "time to act a little for the rights of straights." This initial remark sparked the public furor.

Feiglin elaborated on his comparison, arguing that if the state were to fund and display Temple Mount flags in municipalities, it would be labeled "religious coercion." He questioned why what he termed "progressive coercion" is accepted differently, implying a double standard. The 'Temple Mount Month' analogy was presented as his response to the ensuing storm, which was initially triggered by his comments about 'straight rights'.