Lawmakers are set to discuss Monday the recent ruling by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz allowing homosexuals to adopt children.
Mazuz ruled that homosexuals may adopt any child, even if he or she is not the biological child of either of the partners. The current law allows homosexuals to adopt only the biological child of their partner.
Homosexual issues have become increasingly important in the Jewish State, with the religious Jewish, Muslim and Christian populations fighting to prevent the annual "Pride Parades" from marching down the streets of Jerusalem. Various public relations campaigns, including one promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, have also sought to encourage homosexual tourism in Israel.
Knesset Members Zevulun Orlev (National Union/National Religious Party) and Avraham Ravitz (United Torah Judaism) suggested that the Knesset Labor, Welfare and Health Committee meet to discuss the issue. Both legislators oppose the new ruling.
Shas party Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Eli Yishai slammed the Attorney General’s ruling, calling it “nauseating.” He also accused the Ministry of Social Services of participating in initiatives that weaken the traditional family unit.
Yishai also warned that he views the ruling as a violation of the religious status quo agreed upon by Shas and the Kadima party when Shas joined the coalition.
Monday’s meeting will include representatives from various government ministries, the National Insurance Institute, the National Council for the Child, the Center for Pluralism and others.