Netanyahu Government Deemed Most Homophobic in Israel by Rights Group
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
An "Aguda" report claims the Netanyahu government has been the most homophobic in Israel, detailing legislative attempts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights and significant funding cuts. The report highlights proposals to allow religious exemptions for businesses, restrict gender identity recognition, and limit educational discussions on LGBTQ+ topics. While acknowledging some rights expansions, "Aguda" criticizes reduced government support and services for the community, with funding for relevant departments and municipal programs drastically cut.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- An "Aguda" report labels the Netanyahu government as Israel's most homophobic.
- The report details legislative attempts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights and reduce funding.
- Funding for LGBTQ+ community departments and programs saw significant cuts.
- Proposals included allowing businesses to refuse LGBTQ+ clients on religious grounds.
- Legislation aimed to restrict gender identity recognition and educational discussions.
- Three amendments expanded LGBTQ+ rights, championed by opposition MK Yorai Lahav-Herzano.
A report by the Israeli LGBTQ+ rights organization "Aguda" asserts that the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been the most homophobic in the country's history. The report, released ahead of the Knesset elections, analyzes legislative initiatives, budget decisions, and official statements from the past four years, focusing on the period since December 2022.
The "Aguda" report details attempts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, some of which were halted due to public outcry. It warns that rejected bills could be reintroduced in the next parliamentary session. Among the controversial initiatives highlighted are proposals by MKs Ovad Tal and Moshe Solomon of "Religious Zionism" to allow businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ clients on religious grounds. Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to prevent discrimination, which stalled the bill, though similar proposals later emerged.
Further legislative efforts mentioned include proposals by MK Avi Maoz and MK Limor Son Har-Melech. Maoz proposed defining gender in official documents solely by biological criteria, potentially preventing transgender individuals from changing their records. He also suggested banning discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary grades and restricting them in higher grades without parental consent and school principal approval. Son Har-Melech proposed expanding the powers of the Council for State Religious Education, which the report suggests could weaken protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ students.
The report also points to a significant reduction in funding for the LGBTQ+ community. The budget for the relevant department decreased from 38 million to 24 million shekels in 2024, and support for municipal programs dropped from 21 million to 10 million shekels. The Ministry of Social Equality announced in 2025 that it had no funds for the community and ceased cooperation with the LGBTQ+ association that provided specialized aid to Arab LGBTQ+ individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities. New agreements with municipalities have seen funding for specific programs, including in Haifa and Beersheba, cut by over 90%.
Despite these challenges, the report acknowledges three amendments that expanded LGBTQ+ rights. Two of these amendments, championed by opposition MK Yorai Lahav-Herzano, ensure the recognition of same-sex partners in laws concerning families of fallen soldiers, hostages, and missing persons, following the advocacy of Omer Ohana regarding his relationship with his deceased husband, Major Sagi Golan. The third amendment included sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for protecting students from discrimination.
Separately, Yair Golan, leader of the Democratic Party, has stated his intention to pursue legislation guaranteeing equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
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