Israeli LGBT association warns of a risk of new restrictions
On 22 October 2026, Israeli outlet Mako reported on LGBT association Aguda’s review of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The organisation warns that unpassed bills restricting LGBT rights could form the basis for new initiatives in the next parliament.
The report covers January 2023 to October 2026. It says funding for the government’s LGBT affairs department was cut in 2024 from a planned 38 million shekels to about 24 million. In July 2025, the Social Equality Ministry’s contract with Aguda itself ended, affecting services for Arab LGBT people, those aged 50 and over and people with disabilities.
Among the initiatives reviewed is MP Avi Maoz’s proposal to prohibit lessons and activities about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades 1–8. From grade 9, consent from 75% of parents, the principal’s approval and the student’s consent would be required. The report notes that the author justifies the bill as protecting parental rights and children’s interests.
Another proposal by Maoz and MP Limor Son Har-Melech would base sex markers in official documents exclusively on biological criteria. In the association’s assessment, this would prevent transgender people from changing their sex markers. The report lists both proposals as introduced but not passed.
The authors also note three enacted amendments that expanded rights: two concern same-sex partners of fallen soldiers and people who have been abducted or are missing; the third prohibits discrimination against students based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
In an earlier funding dispute, the ministry cited low budget utilisation and delays in the Finance Ministry’s allocation of funds. Israel Hayom published that position on 10 September 2025. In its coverage of the new report, Ynet says the ministry provided no comment.
Aguda is a nonprofit organisation founded in 1975. Uránia previously reported that, following the 27 October election, three openly gay politicians are set to enter the new Knesset.
