Israel Approves Adoption for Gay Couples

[WillParkinson]

Israel will extend gay couples full adoption rights, thanks to a ruling by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Sunday.

Previously, gay couples could adopt only if the child was one of the partners’ biological offspring.

“I welcome the decision,” said Welfare Minister Isaac Herzog. “There is no reason why same-sex couples who meet the criteria for adoption should not be able to join the process of adoption and of parenthood. We must adapt to the spirit of the times and the changes that are afoot.”

Israel has moved quickly on gay civil rights since the Knesset decriminalized homosexuality in 1988. There have been no restrictions on gays serving in the military since 1993. In 2000, the age of consent for gays was lowered to 16, to match the legal age for consensual sex for heterosexuals.

Gay couples are given most federal rights in Israel, although gay marriages (which are only religious marriages in Israel) are not permitted. Gay marriages performed abroad, however, are recognized as of 2006. Private companies as well as the public sector are required to give gay employees the same benefits as straight employees.

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/02/021208israel.htm

(The article is very short.)

[Olney Blue]

1. Why can't we do this?

[NMMNG]

3. Because gay parents are harmful to children

It says so in the Bible, don't you know? :sarcasm:

[Olney Blue]

4. Linky?

:hi:

[NMMNG]

5. That was sarcasm

There's no such quote in the Bible, but the RRRW will try to convince people it exists and will just assume nobody will dare check it. Sadly too many people don't, and just take them at their word. They also take the RRRW at their word that "scores of research proves" children fare better with a mother and a father, blah blah blah. Read more about their utterly deceptive techniques.

[Olney Blue]

6. Buffy, I know it was sarcasm!

I was raised as a fundie republican, sent to a Christian college. Forced to read the Bible many times. I KNOW it's not in there. Just as I know now that religion and republicanism is all a big lie.

[NMMNG]

7. OK

Sometimes I'm not sure. :P

[wellstone dem]

2. They put the interests of the kids first.

Bless them.

[davidinalameda]

8. how many Arab countries allow gay adoption

just asking

[David Zephyr]

9. Good news. Israel extends more and more right to GLBT's while Iran beheads us.

For all the criticism of Israel, it is important to keep perspective of some important things. This is certainly one of them. :thumbsup: