JERUSALEM (AP) — A new law for the first time will allow some Israelis to marry outside the strict religious establishment.
The law permits civil marriage only for couples who have no declared religion — just a few hundred Israelis. Everyone else must still pursue religious marriages in Israel or hold a civil marriage abroad.
Still, it’s the first time Israel is endorsing civil marriage of any kind, giving hope to many who reject the Orthodox Jewish monopoly on family matters, including marriage, for Jewish Israelis.
Rabbis from liberal streams, like Conservative and Reform, are not recognized in Israel.
Most Israeli Jews are secular, and many would prefer civil ceremonies over religious weddings. For now, at least, that choice is still not available.
The new limited civil marriage law took effect Sunday.
