LGBTQ EQUALITY LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE - In Memory of Major Sagi Golan

Prohibition of LGBTQ Incitement in the Penal Code Incitement against the LGBTQ community has become disturbingly common, perpetrated not only by individuals but also by elected officials. Recently, Knesset member Yitzhak Pindrus stated in an interview: “In my view, the most dangerous thing for the State of Israel, more than ISIS, more than Hezbollah, more than Hamas, is licentious behavior... and therefore, in my parallel, I have to prevent not only the pride parade but this movement in general.” The recent conflict has highlighted the severity of such statements, which compare the LGBTQ community to some of our most bitter and cruel enemies, despite LGBTQ members fighting, risking their lives, and even losing them to maintain the country’s security. Such inflammatory remarks may not be legally considered incitement without explicit legislation. However, current legislation falls short in addressing such incitement, as the Penal Code only covers racism based on color, race, or national origin, omitting protection for LGBTQ individuals.

Sergeant (reserve) Maayan Gross stated, “Prohibiting incitement against the LGBTQ community is not merely a right but a moral and social obligation towards those who bear the burden and face discrimination. The peak of this issue was when a Knesset member equated my community, who are fighting Hamas, to be worse than the terrorist organization, all while complaining about incitement. ‘That which is hateful unto you, do not do to your neighbor… the rest is commentary.’”

Required Action Amend Section 144a of the Penal Code to broaden the definition of racism, explicitly encompassing the prohibition of inciting racism against LGBTQ individuals. This modification aims to address legal gaps and prevent instances of racism directed at these individuals.

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