Knesset Nixes Civil Marriage

Ahead of the Wednesday event and vote, the NGO Hiddush: For Religious Freedom and Equality released a study commissioned by it according to which two-thirds of the Jewish population in Israel are in favor of enabling civil marriage in Israel, although only one-third would marry in such a ceremony, were it to become an option.

28/07/2011 12:10

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Russian immigrants marry an informal marriage ceremony on Valentine's Dayon Dizengoff Square. The bride is not recognized in Israel as a Jew, so the couple can not marry in Israel officially. 04.08.2009. Photography: Miriam Alster, Flash 90

Wednesday's vote is part of a larger campaign to enable freedom of choice in marriage led by the Forum for Freedom in Marriage, Be Free Israel, the Israel Religious Action Center, and Shatil. Earlier in the day, and ahead of the vote, they held a conference in the Knesset for which women supporters and lawmakers donned bridal garb, while the male MKs in their suits passed for casually dressed grooms.

freeing Israeli citizens from the monopoly and coercion of the Chief Rabbinate

The group, which has set its sights on freeing Israeli citizens from the monopoly and coercion of the Chief Rabbinate regarding marriage and divorce,” has launched what it is describing as the largest campaign ever to deal with this issue, in at least a year of activity funded by the New Israel Fund.

Horowitz, who along with Zuaretz leads the Forum for Freedom in Marriage, noted in his plenum speech that they would be turning to the High Court of Justice.

For entire article read The Jerusalem Post