High Court rules same-sex couples eligible to adopt children

'A historic, groundbreaking victory which gives a shred of light and hope in these difficult times.'

DECEMBER 28, 2023 16:14

Updated: DECEMBER 28, 2023 21:06

PARTICIPANTS GATHER at last year's Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance. LGBTQ+ people in Jerusalem come from incredibly precarious circumstances and need abundant resources. (photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90) — PARTICIPANTS GATHER at last year's Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance. LGBTQ+ people in Jerusalem come from incredibly precarious circumstances and need abundant resources.

(photo credit: OLIVIER FITOUSSI/FLASH90)

Israel's High Court of Justice unanimously ruled on Thursday that same-sex couples are eligible to adopt children.

The verdict was reached by three presiding justices following a petition, which argued that Section 3 of the Adoption Law must be interpreted so LGBT couples would be eligible to adopt within the scope of the existing law.

Section 3 states that “there will be no adoption but by a man and his wife together.”

Man holds a Star of David rainbow flag at the 2017 Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

'Historic, groundbreaking victory' for Israel's LGBT community

"This is a historic, groundbreaking victory which gives a shred of light and hope in these difficult times, Ran Shalhavi, director-general of the Aguda – Israel's LGBT Task Force, said following the verdict's publication.

"For years, we have been battling to be seen as equals when it comes to raising families in Israel, as governments over the years discriminated and incited against us because of who we are.

"The Supreme Court again proves its worth in protecting our rights," Shalhavi added.

This is a developing story.