After passing the highly controversial kashrut and conversion reforms, the Knesset is moving on to another explosive issue in Israel: civil marriage. The Jewish Religious Services Committee is set to convene on the matter next week.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
An Israeli citizen wishing to get married in Israel cannot do so outside the Chief Rabbinate, which oversees the mechanism, leaving many – non-Jews, members of the LGBTQ community, and others – without the possibility to wed in the Jewish state.
In addition, in recent years, many Jewish Israelis, who are allowed to get married in Israel, have refused to do so under the rabbinate, citing a lack of trust in the institution. Such marriages are not currently recognized under the law.
There were several attempts in the past, including three bills submitted in 2021, to pass legislation allowing civil marriage in Israel, but none have been approved so far.
The Knesset committee meeting will take place on Feb. 15, chaired by MK Yulia Malinovsky.
Every person has the right to fall in love, get married, and start a family, she told Israel Hayom. There is no reason for the State of Israel not to allow this for the greater public, citizens who pay taxes and serve in the military. It is our duty to find a solution.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!