Knesset committee paves way for civil unions

A Knesset committee has made it possible for a civil unions law to be implemented in Israel. The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Wednesday approved a registration fee of about $165 for couples to obtain a civil union certificate.

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Jeffrey Hensiek

November 3, 2010

A Knesset committee has made it possible for a civil unions law to be implemented in Israel.

The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on Wednesday approved a registration fee of about $165 for couples to obtain a civil union certificate.

The law, passed in March and set to be implemented next week, will allow non-Jewish Israelis or those without a religious denomination to be recognized as married.

Thousands of Israelis who previously had to travel abroad to marry will now be able to do so legally in Israel.

Lawmaker David Rotem of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, the initiator of the legislation, said he will try to broaden the law to allow civil unions for all Israelis, including Jews.

About 60,000 people in Israel are considered to be of no denomination, according to Ynet.