Israeli court annuls parts of surrogacy law excluding gays
The Supreme Court of Israel cleared the way for same-sex couples to have children through surrogate mothers. It struck down part of a 2020 law that expanded surrogacy to single women but excluded gay couples. The law change will take effect in six months. LGBTQ support groups applauded the decision, as did openly gay Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll. An ularaorthodox member of parliament condemned the ruling saying it was a serious blow to Israel’s Jewish identity.
EU takes action against Hungary and Poland over anti-LGBTQ measures
The European Commission has begun legal action against Hungary after the country passed a law banning the sharing content in schools that seems to endorse gay and transgender issues. Poland is also being taken to court after several towns declared themselves ‘LGBT free.’ Hungary’s Prime Minister Victor Organ has said he will not overrule the law despite the pressure. Both countries have two months to respond to the arguments by the commission and if they fail to do so, they could be referred to the European Union’s Court of Justice.
Minnesota governor restricts ‘conversion therapy’ for minors
Minnesota governor Tim Walz signed an executive order aimed at banning ‘conversion therapy’ in the state. After signing he said it was just the first step and that the state legislature needed to make the ban permanent. He called conversion therapy a “byzantine, tortuous practice,” and said there is no place for hate or division in the state. Minnesota is one of only 24 states in America that bans mental health professionals from seeking to change a person’s sexual orientation.
Luke Prokop becomes first NFL player to come out
US National Hockey League prospect Luke Prokop publicly came out this week. In a heartfelt message to his fans, Prokop said he hoped his announcement would improve gay visibility within the hockey community. In his statement, he said “I hope that in sharing who I am I can help other people see that gay people are welcome in the hockey community, as we work to make sure that hockey is truly for everyone.” Leaders in the National and Western Hockey Leagues responded in support of the player.