For the First Time, Religious Group Campaigns for Civil Marriage in Israel

[rug]

Currently, all matters of marriage and divorce are conducted by the established religious authorities

BY JEREMY SHARON
MARCH 26, 2017 22:34

Civil marriage is one of the most encumbered issues in the Jewish state, but the religious-Zionist organization e’emenei Torah Va’Avodah began a campaign Sunday advocating for the introduction of such a possibility in Israel.

The group, which is on the liberal end of the religious-Zionist community, says it is the first time a religious organization has called for civil marriage, which is generally considered to be an anathema to religious communities and leaders.

To start the campaign, NTA created a comical, animated video underlining the problems inherent in the monopoly of the Chief Rabbinate over Jewish marriage in the state.

There is no legal framework for civil marriage in Israel at present, and all matters of marriage and divorce are conducted by the established religious authorities – in the case of Jews, by the Chief Rabbinate. The state does, however, recognize a couple that was married abroad in a civil ceremony, and they can register as such with the Interior Ministry if they so wish.

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/For-first-time-religious-group-campaigns-for-civil-marriage-in-Israel-485267

1:20 video at link.

[LeftishBrit]

1. Excellent news

The present dominance of religious authorities in marriage and divorce adds to the problem of segregation between Jews and Palestinians, and between Muslims and Christians among Palestinians. Not to mention being inappropriate to secular people.

Israel does recognize all marriages contracted abroad, so those who wish for a civil marriage can and often do nip off to Cyprus for the purpose; but that is unnecessarily inconvenient and expensive.

[AtheistCrusader]

2. Better late than never.