Lapid promises equal LGBT rights from next government as Jerusalem Pride Parade begins

Thousands participated in the 24th Jerusalem Pride Parade on Thursday, celebrating Pride Month and advocating for equal rights for the LGBT community. The event, held under the slogan “Demanding Change,” began at Sacher Park and proceeded towards the Rose Garden, passing near the Supreme Court and the Knesset.

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Mother and father, father and father, mother and mother, all will have the same rights, all will be equal before the law.

During the parade's opening, former Prime Minister Yair Lapid promised that a new government would pass legislation ensuring equal rights for all couples within its first 100 days. "Mother and father, father and father, mother and mother, all will have the same rights, all will be equal before the law," he declared. Lapid emphasized the community's agency, stating, "We are masters of our own destiny. If this government has a problem with LGBT people, then this government should go home, because the community is not going anywhere."

MK Gilad Kariv also attended, noting that the previous year saw a record number of violent incidents against the LGBT community. He vowed, "We will not give up the right of every young man and woman, every man and woman in Israel, to feel safe, loved, and valued." The parade's route was chosen to underscore that demands for equality require concrete action from decision-makers, not just symbolic gestures.

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We are masters of our own destiny. If this government has a problem with LGBT people, then this government should go home, because the community is not going anywhere. Happy Pride Month. I am proud to be here with you.

Security was notably high, a measure intensified since the 2015 fatal stabbing of Shira Banki during a previous Pride event. Amidst the calls for equality, some protesters held signs expressing dissent against Israel's military actions in Gaza, with messages such as "No pride in genocide" and "No pride in apartheid."

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We will not give up the right of every young man and woman, every man and woman in Israel, to feel safe, loved, and valued.