Tens of thousands of Israelis take to the streets against gay people

In many cities in Israel, thousands of people protested against a new law that excludes gay men from having a child with the help of a surrogate mother. Among them are many homosexuals and other LGBT people, but also heterosexuals who protest against the discriminatory nature of the law.

The people of Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Be'er Sheva, among others, went out on the streets. In Tel Aviv was the largest protest with about 60,000 people according to the police.

Protests are also scheduled for the rest of the week, not only against gay men's discrimination, but also against other controversial laws of Israel in recent times. For example, a law was passed earlier this week in which Israel was defined as a Jewish nation-state, with Jerusalem as the undivided capital; Arabic is no longer an official language, but gets a "special" status.

Surrogate

On Thursday, the Knesset passed a law that allows not only heterosexual couples, but also single women enjoying state support. surrogate mother to have a child. The amendment of the law still excludes single men and couples

. The wrath of the liberal party of Israel was then directed especially against Prime Minister Netanyahu, who suddenly voted against the expansion of the law in favor of homosexuals. According to observers, he did so under pressure from ultra-orthodox coalition partners

. Flag of the Rainbow

Immediately after the vote, protesters blocked the main roads in Tel Aviv. Today, protesters in Jerusalem went to Prime Minister Netanyahu's home, shouted slogans and waved the rainbow flag, the international symbol of the LGBT people. Two people were arrested and released later.

The government's decision is a setback for advocates of equal rights in Israel. The country is deeply divided into a liberal party and an ultra-Orthodox party. Due to the influence of the liberal part of the country, Israel is known as gay friendly, unlike the neighboring countries of the Middle East.

According to

Ultra-Orthodox Jews in turn use their influence in politics to stop decisions favorable to homosexuals. Prime Minister Netanyahu depends on these parties to continue to govern.

A number of large corporations in Israel expressed their support for the protesters. Activists have been released today to discuss. Many employers also believe that changing the law for single men and couples should apply.