gay-pride-soldierIsrael: The Israel Defense Forces Manpower Directorate has overturned a policy that had  allowed soldiers in uniform appearing in Gay Pride Parades.

The announcement to the change in policy was made by Israel Defense Forces Manpower Directorate commander Maj. Gen. Orna Barbivai on March 30, reports israelhayom.com.

Soldiers wishing to participate in social protests and in the Gay Pride Parade will have do so in civilian dress, not in uniform.

The new ruling also states that it will allow soldiers to participate in such events provided they receive permission from their commanders.

The ruling also has some additional stipulations. Soldiers may only attend social protests that are not organized by a political party. They are also forbidden to participate in protests related to the army and its policies, or in anti-Israel protests.

Openly gay people have been allowed to serve in the military, including special units since 1993.  Discrimination against gay, lesbian, and bisexual soldiers in recruitment, placement and promotion is prohibited in Israel.

Harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation is also prohibited in the Israeli military that recognizes same-sex couples, including widows and widowers of the same-sex couples says the Israel page on en.wikipedia.org.

Soldiers until this new ruling were allowed to freely participate in Gay Pride Parades in uniform.

Source: israelhayom.com