Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Israel have generally been seen as one of the most advanced in the Middle East and Asia.[1] Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1988, although the former law against buggery had not been enforced since a court decision of 1963.[2] Israel became the first in Asia to recognize unregistered cohabitation between same-sex couples, making it the only country in Asia to recognize any same-sex union thus far. Although same-sex marriages are not performed in the country, Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, making it the first and only country in Asia to do so. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation was prohibited in 1992. Same-sex couples are allowed to jointly adopt after a court decision in 2008, while previously allowing stepchild adoptions and limited co-guardianship rights for non-biological parents. Gays and lesbians are also allowed to serve openly in the military.


Recent polls have indicated that a majority of Israelis support same-sex marriage, despite some social conservatism.[3] Tel Aviv has frequently been referred to by publishers as one of the most gay friendly cities in the world,[4] famous for its annual Pride Parade and gay beach,[5] earning it the nickname "the gay capital of the Middle East" by Out magazine.[6] According to LGBT travelers, it was ranked as the best gay city in 2011,[7] despite reports of some LGBT violence during the 2000s,[8] which were criticized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. A monument dedicated to the gay victims of the Holocaust was erected in Tel Aviv in 2014.[9]


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