Israel launches government program to support LGBT community

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel is launching its first-ever government plan to support the Israeli LGBT community, Newsrnd reports. Emphasizing security and the creation of equal opportunities for LGBT citizens, the program is part of a coalition agreement between the Yesh Atid and Meretz governing parties.

In a statement announcing the new program, Minister of Social Equality Meirav Cohen said the government has set a budget of around $9 million a year for three years, Newsrnd reports. The program is based on an additional $27 million approved in August 2021 within the budget of the Ministry of Social Equality.

The program will operate within municipal, national, and budgeting government ministries in tackling, among a variety of issues, campaigns calling for public tolerance and in the leadership in the field of employment.

In particular, the plan will emphasize programs for LGBTQ citizens who also belong to another minority group such the transgender community, those with disabilities, and the Arab population, Israel Hayom reports.

“This is a long-term plan that aims to ensure that from now on there is no way back in the state’s approach to the pride community, with the understanding that many in the LGBTQ community still suffer from discrimination and pay for it with their mental health and economic and social status,” Cohen said in his statement.

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