Civil union bill advances to Knesset

A Knesset committee approved the advancement of a civil union bill to the floor of the Israeli parliament.

The Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee authorized the bill to advance for a second and third reading in the Knesset next week.

The measure would allow Israelis without a religious affiliation to register a civil marriage with a special couplehood registrar.

It would help about 10 percent of couples seeking a civil marriage, according to reports.