The Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality announced June 21 that it would allow cohabiting couples to register their union in a declaration at the city hall. Thus, these couples would enjoy the same municipal rights as married couples. This would mean that same-sex couples and other couples who cannot wed under Israel’s religious authorities could now be eligible for housing tax discounts and could enroll more easily their children in public day care centers, schools and activities at community centers.
In a post that turned viral, Mayor Ron Huldai wrote, “In honor of Pride Week, we decided to challenge the government and allow couples to declare their union." Huldai added, "We hope the government will also enter the 21st century and uphold the rights of the LGBT community in law … the right to marry, have equal parental responsibilities, be protected from hate crime along with workplace bullying, and more."