BeardedBruce said: Israel ALREADY allows Moslims to settle in Israel.

McGrath of Harlow replied: When has that ever happened? Some of them have been allowed to stay in their homeland, but when it comes to newcomers, or returning exiles, no way.

CarolC said: I definitely think we should tie our aid to all of those places based on their providing equal rights to their citizens.

For many years, Israel has been providing sanctuary for Palestinian gays and lesbians, both Muslim and Christian, whose sexuality puts them at serious risk of being murdered, often as honor killings by their own families.

Being an "out" lesbian or gay, or even as suspected lesbian or gay, is tatamount to a death sentence in Palestinian society.

Israel recognizes this and provides shelter to gays and lesbians.