After the inauguration of the new right-wing religious government in Israel, the first protests have already erupted. Hundreds of protesters blocked an expressway in Tel Aviv last night. They insisted on the rights of the LGBTQ community in Israel. LGBTQ is the English abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. They fear restrictions after anti-gay statements by coalition members.
According to the Times of Israel, Hila Peer, president of the LGBTQ association, said at the protest, “Darkness has descended on Israel.” The association stressed that it was not ready to become “second-class citizens”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the right-wing conservative Likud party said the community had nothing to fear. Amir Ochana, from his Likud party, became the first openly gay politician to be elected Speaker of Parliament.
In an emotional speech, addressing his parents and wife, as well as their children, Ochana reiterated that no harm would be done to alternative families. However, Israeli media reported that two strictly religious lawmakers bowed their heads during the speech.
Ambassador resigns in protest
Israel’s ambassador to Paris, Jael German, resigned yesterday in protest against the new government. In a letter to the head of government, she wrote that she could not support Netanyahu’s coalition’s radical reform intentions. She warned of a “danger to Israel’s democratic character and values”.
The new government took office yesterday in Parliament. It is the most right-wing government Israel has ever had. Extremist right-wing politicians are also represented in the coalition for the first time.