Tel Aviv Mayor Wants Israel to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Photo by Jack Guez

Mayor Ron Huldai of Tel Aviv has come out in support of same-sex marriage and urges Israel to do the same. This comes days after the Republic of Ireland’s monumental marriage equality ruling by a popular vote.

While kicking off Tel Aviv Pride this Wednesday, Mayor Huldai told The Jerusalem Post:

"I think that the state of Israel can learn from Ireland, that just recently, in a referendum, approved gay marriage. I think that in the state of Israel, given the awakening that’s happening, it's important for there to be a city that says 'here, a person can live their life.'”

Mayor Huldai is largely responsible for Tel Aviv’s thriving LGBT community and tourism. In 2012, Tel Aviv was named the world’s best gay city by GayCities.com. This year’s Tel Aviv Pride is set to be the biggest yet in the city's history, with extra focus on the city’s transgender citizens.

Now that Ireland has legalized same-sex marriage and Greenland followed in its lead, we can only hope that Israel isn't far from a similar ruling.