A recent poll has shown that 61% of Israelis are in favour of granting equal rights to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Conducted by the local television station Channel 13, the poll shows that the level of support is even higher among Jewish Israelis, with 68% expressing their support and only 17% opposing equal rights. Among religious Jews, 33% are supportive, while 32% remain opposed.
In contrast, non-Jewish Israelis showed a significantly higher level of opposition, with 73% expressing their disapproval and only 22% supporting equal rights. Regarding same-sex marriage, 52% of Israelis expressed support, while 36% expressed opposition. These numbers demonstrate a positive shift compared to last year’s poll, where only 45% expressed support for same-sex marriage. This indicates a 7% increase in support over the past year.
The poll also revealed interesting trends within specific political affiliations. Among Likud voters (a major centre-right to right-wing political party in Israel), 50% expressed support for same-sex marriage, while just 33% opposed it.
Support for same-sex marriage experienced a notable increase among voters of the Otzma Yehudit (a far-right political party in Israel) and Religious Zionist parties, rising from 4% last year to 19% this year.
The poll’s timing is particularly significant as it was conducted just one day before the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March, which marks the beginning of Pride Month.
These poll results reflect a growing acceptance and support for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals in Israeli society. While there are still divisions, particularly among religious and non-Jewish communities, the overall trend shows a positive shift in attitudes towards equality.