Yair Lapid Pledges Civil Marriage for LGBTQ+ Couples

Yair Lapid, a leading figure in the B'Yachad alliance, has pledged to advance civil marriage and LGBTQ+ rights if his party enters the government following the October legislative elections. Lapid, the number two on the list led by Naftali Bennett, aims to pass this reform within the first 100 days of the next executive.

"As a liberal party, we are committed to equal rights for all," Lapid stated in an interview with the Jerusalem Post. He emphasized the need to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and provide a civil option for all Israeli couples. Currently, marriages in Israel are overseen by religious authorities, with the Chief Rabbinate handling unions and divorces for Jewish citizens. This system prevents civil marriages from being performed within the country, affecting same-sex couples and those who do not wish to marry under religious law. Consequently, many couples marry abroad and then register their unions in Israel.

Lapid's proposal envisions a parallel system allowing individuals to choose between a religious ceremony and a civil marriage. He cited his own son's experience, who had a Jewish ceremony outside the Chief Rabbinate's jurisdiction, as an example of how such unions are no less valid. "He is no less Jewish, he is no less married," Lapid asserted, adding that his granddaughter is "no less Israeli."

B'Yachad, formed by an alliance between Naftali Bennett and Lapid's Yesh Atid party, positions itself as a major opposition force against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Bennett maintains a right-wing stance on security, he has adopted more liberal positions on social issues. The party's platform also includes drafting a constitution, intensifying efforts against the rising cost of living and crime, and investing in artificial intelligence. Bennett has also stated he would not form a coalition with Orthodox parties and seeks to eliminate public funding for those who refuse military service.