Israel Supreme Court Recognizes Gay Marriage

The Supreme Court of Israel, known as the High Court of Justice, ruled on November 21, 2006, that the Israeli government must recognize same-sex ("gay") marriages performed in other countries. Israel itself does not allow same-sex marriages. Currently, only Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and Spain allow same-sex marriages. South Africa will soon allow same-sex marriages, and the state of Massachusetts in the United States also performs same-sex marriages.

The High Court of Justice ruled 6-1 in favor of requiring Israel to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Though same-sex couples would have to marry in another country, their marriages would be registered in Israel the same as heterosexual marriages, and they would receive all of the legal benefits of marriage. The decision was made after five same-sex couples married elsewhere attempted to have their marriages legally recognized in Israel.

The decision comes on the heels of the cancellation of Israel's planned gay-pride parade following an outbreak of violence and anger from various religious communities. 

Unlike Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom currently do not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other countries. In the case of the United States, other states beyond Massachusetts are not required to recognize same-sex marriages performed there.