United States President Barack Obama's declaration of support for same-sex marriage is nothing less than earth-shattering. For the first time, the leader of the world's most powerful democracy has stated that he believes gay marriage is just as worthy as heterosexual union. His proclamation challenges the world's religious and conservative establishments and bolsters the gay community and all groups fighting for human rights. Israel's gay community must seize this opportunity and spearhead the fight to institute state-endorsed marriage.
Israelis among the most liberal states in the world when it comes to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights. But most of these rights were won by appeals to Israel's Supreme Court, rather than through legislation by the Knesset. Marriage is probably the last instance of discrimination against homosexuals in Israeli law, and is part of system that prevents many people from getting married in this country.
The fact that Israel does not offer civil marriage belies its pride in being a liberal democracy. The state is excluding thousands of citizens (gay and straight) who do not have access to religious marriage. Its policy of recognizing marriages performed abroad does not atone for this injustice. By failing to provide a mechanism for civil marriage, the Israeli government creates de facto second-class citizens, who have no choice but to travel overseas if they insist on marrying who and how they want.
Since gays and lesbians rely heavily on civil marriage, they must help lead the struggle to institute them. With tens of thousands of same-sex couples living in Israel, and thousands of them raising children, it is no longer possible to avoid addressing their exclusion.
In Israel, gays and lesbians are everywhere. They teach at kindergartens and schools, they serve in the army and reserve and they are productive and tax-paying members of society. Why then is their love worth less? Why does society not permit them to express this love through an institution that should be open and equal to all?
There are gays and lesbians who do not want to get married, and see the institution as repressive and reactionary. But there are many others who want to celebrate their love and declare their commitment in the framework of a marriage. Conservatives should be glad that marriage has their support.
Conservative forces in the United States, Israel and throughout the world will likely do whatever they can to blunt Obama's declaration. Israel's enlightened majority, which yearns for civil marriage and supports same-sex marriage, must not yield to them.

By Zohar Baror

Haaretz.com