Skip to main content

Right-wing Israeli lawmakers blasted over calls for new anti-LGBT legislation

ISRAELI health workers have blasted key allies of Benjamin Netanyahu who called for a law allowing discrimination against LGBT+ people.

Earlier this week, Orit Struck said her Religious Zionism party wanted to allow businesses and doctors to deny service to LGBT+ people on the basis of religious belief.

Sheba Medical Centre released an Instagram video on Monday of health workers from around the country saying: “We treat everyone.”

Similar statements were made by doctors and administrators at Rambam Medical Centre in Haifa and Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon.

Several Israeli companies also said they would not work with businesses that discriminate against clients for religious reasons.

Bank Discount, Israel’s third largest bank, said on Monday that it “would not grant credit to businesses or bodies that discriminate against clients on the basis of religion, race, sex or sexual orientation.”

Mr Netanyahu later rebuked Ms Struck for her remarks, saying there would be no curtailing of LGBT+ rights under the new government.

But the incoming PM is heavily reliant on his coalition partners because of new legislation that could ultimately freeze or dismiss criminal charges against him.

Mr Netanyahu made a statement today putting West Bank settlement expansion at the top of the list of priorities for the incoming government, which is set to be sworn in tomorrow.

He vowed to legalise dozens of illegally built outposts and annex the occupied territory as part of the coalition deal.

Mr Netanyahu’s new government is widely acknowledged as both the most religious and most right-wing in Israel’s history.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today