Numerous Israeli politicians welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry throughout the U.S., just like any other couple. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (Likud) said Friday, "The Supreme Court of the United States made an important, just and historic decision today. Every person has the right to marry and have children, regardless of their sexual orientation. I hope additional countries, including Israel, will follow in the footsteps of the United States and grant this basic right to all." Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog called the Supreme Court ruling "brave and important." And Zionist Union MK Tzipi Livni congratulated the U.S. on the "historic" ruling. "Yesterday in Beersheba, I spoke of the need to achieve equality for all, and that is what I will do by advancing a civil marriage bill," Livni said. Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid said, "The time has come for cooperation across party lines -- and across coalition and opposition lines -- to pass a civil marriage bill." Meretz MK Tamar Zandberg said, "Gay marriage is a constitutional right, equality cannot be prevented. I hope this will be the case for us here [in Israel] soon." Members of Israel's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community also praised the Supreme Court ruling. Singer Ivri Lider said, "The United States is a model for Western countries and I hope we follow it." Television personality Assi Azar said, "Just like I said about McDonald's when I was 12 [the first McDonald's opened in 1993 when Azar was 14] -- coming soon to us." Radio host Aviad Kisos said, "I'm happy for all the young people who will come out of the closet tomorrow. A picture of the White House illuminated in rainbow colors cannot be disputed." Transgender singer Dana International said, "The world is moving forward and this cannot be stopped." Marriage in Israel is controlled by religious authorities. Jewish marriage is run by the Orthodox Rabbinate. There is no civil marriage in Israel. Israeli couples who do not wish to be married in a religious ceremony often go abroad to get married. Marriages conducted abroad are recognized by Israel's Interior Ministry.
After US gay marriage ruling, many Israelis hope for change
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon: Every person has right to marry, regardless of sexual orientation. I hope other countries, including Israel, follow in footsteps of U.S. • Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid: Time has come to pass a civil marriage bill.
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