Bennett's Party Pledges Full LGBTQ+ Equality, Reversing Past Stance

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's party, "Achim Lahem" (Together), has unveiled a political platform advocating for comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights, marking a significant shift from his previous public positions. The program commits to establishing civil partnerships with full legal rights and obligations equivalent to marriage, enshrining equality in a Basic Law, banning conversion therapy, and allocating a dedicated budget for LGBTQ+ services.

This new stance contrasts sharply with Bennett's 2015 declaration as head of the Jewish Home party, where he stated, "No recognition, yes rights" regarding same-sex marriage, likening legal recognition to making the mixing of meat and milk kosher. The current "Achim Lahem" platform goes further by proposing a legal framework for civil unions and guaranteeing complete civil equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.

While some proposals, like civil partnerships and banning conversion therapy, have been previously introduced in the Knesset, "Achim Lahem's" platform is notable for Bennett's personal endorsement. During his premiership, his government advanced some LGBTQ+ issues, including opening surrogacy to gay men and single men following a High Court ruling, and increasing budgets for LGBTQ+ services. The Health Ministry also issued directives restricting conversion therapy practices in 2022.

However, civil marriage and a Basic Law for equality were not enacted during his term, nor was a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy. Bennett has recently expressed support for enabling Israelis to form families domestically without traveling abroad, referencing "Chagi Laws," a legislative package addressing civil marriage, parentage, conversion therapy bans, and discrimination, named in memory of Omri Ohana's partner, Chagi Golan, who was killed on October 7.

The "Achim Lahem" platform specifically proposes a Basic Law on Equality, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and amending interpretation laws to include LGBTQ+ individuals in anti-discrimination provisions. The party also pledges a fixed budget for LGBTQ+ services, moving away from reliance on fluctuating government priorities. The success of these commitments hinges on future Knesset and coalition configurations.