Homophobia

Iran, Egypt decry World Cup 'Pride Match' as Seattle locals have no plans to tone down celebrations

"They're not going to turn off the World Cup on state television in Iran or Egypt to block out a Pride flag in the audience," Cairns said.

|ByREUTERS
WHILE HAVING qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Iran’s national soccer federation stated that participation in the tournament is now in doubt amid the current US and Israeli strikes.
Israeli flag and rainbow flag being waved at Tel Aviv Pride Parade, June 25 2021

Anti-LGBTQ violence in Israel rose sharply in 2025, national queer and trans violence report finds

A total of 432 homophobic or transphobic physical incidents were reported in Israel in 2025, the Aguda's report found.

|ByAVIHAI CHIIM
Paivi Rasanen (R), member of the Finnish Parliament, testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Europe's Threat to American Speech and Innovation" on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2026.

Finland's Supreme Court fines MP for calling homosexuality 'developmental disorder'

The court found Paivi Rasanen guilty of incitement against a group by claiming on social media and on her website that it was scientifically proven that homosexuality was a developmental disorder.

|ByREUTERS
File photo: Ugandan Members of Parliament stand as they participate during the passing of the anti-Homosexuality bill, at a sitting inside the Parliament Buildings in Kampala, Uganda May 2, 2023.

Uganda abandons prosecution in first 'aggravated homosexuality' case under controversial 2023 law

The East African country enacted the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023, defying pressure from Western governments as well as local and international rights groups.

|ByREUTERS

Israeli far-right MK Avi Maoz 'filled with shame' over gay Knesset Speaker

"We will no longer agree to be silent about the blasphemy and dishonor of the State of Israel," wrote Maoz.

APRIL 30, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Noam head Avi Maoz speaks during a function meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on March 20, 2023.

'Kahane lives' graffitied on window of Tel Aviv LGBTQ+ Center

The slogan refers to Meir Kahane, the convicted Jewish terrorist and founder of the outlawed Kach political party.

APRIL 1, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The message "Kahane lives" was found sprayed onto a wall of an LGBTQ+ center in Tel Aviv on April 1, 2023.

Israel sees record number of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents in 2022 - report

There was a drastic spike of public anti-LGBT harassment and discrimination against them in businesses. A quarter of all reports were since the last election.

MARCH 19, 2023ByYUVAL BAGNO/MAARIV
People participate in the first Gay Pride Parade in Mitzpe Ramon, on July 2, 2021.

LGBTQ+ community to blame for earthquakes, prominent Israeli rabbi claims

Rabbi Amar said that the earthquakes that have struck Israel are a direct result of the rise in LGBTQ+ rights in Israel.

FEBRUARY 28, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Shlomo Amar visits at a Yeshiva in Hispin, northern Israel, October 21, 2021.

Israel has been an LGBTQ haven in the Middle East. Its new government could change that.

The politicians’ anti-LGBTQ+ positions are not new, but their positions of power and leverage within the government are.

JANUARY 18, 2023ByRON KAMPEAS/JTA
Members of the LGBT community and supporters participate in a protest against the new Israeli government, in Tel Aviv on December 29, 2022.

Rabbi with ties to Ben-Gvir and Deri says Amir Ohana is 'infected with a disease'

Mazoz also hinted that the Meron incident because of the existence of the LGBTQ+ community.

JANUARY 1, 2023ByGADI ZAIG
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana in the Knesset Plenum, December 29, 2022.

Why is the Religious Zionist Party obsessed with the LGBTQ+ community? - opinion

National-religious leaders need to do better. That, too, is part of the Druckman legacy.

DECEMBER 29, 2022ByYAAKOV KATZ
THE ANNUAL gay pride parade in Tel Aviv takes place, in June. There is a very real possibility that Tel Aviv as a gay capital of the world will soon become a thing of the past, says the writer.

Haredi MKs Gafni, Porush cover faces as Ohana thanks his husband

Porush reportedly expressed outrage to Gafni concerning Ohana's words during the speech saying "What is this?"

DECEMBER 29, 2022ByTZVI JOFFRE
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana with his husband and children at a Likud faction meeting following the swearing in of the new government, December 29, 2022.

'Discrimination law' in Israel coalition deal despite Netanyahu's claims

The amendment to Israel's discrimination law will allow businesses and doctors to refuse to service people, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, if it violates their religious beliefs.

DECEMBER 28, 2022ByELIAV BREUER
United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf and Otzma Yehudit chair Itamar Ben-Gvir with MKs from the likely coalition, November 21, 2022.

Refusing service to LGBTQ+ people, non-Jews to be allowed under new gov't

Currently, a business owner who refuses to serve customers on religious grounds will, in most instances, be given a heavy fine.

DECEMBER 24, 2022ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
People participate in the first Gay Pride Parade in Mitzpe Ramon, on July 2, 2021.