Refinitiv Newscasts - Israeli school officials fear anti-LGBTQ turn

Adler SA

07/12/2022 17:37

Click the following link to watch video: https://share.newscasts.refinitiv.com/link?entryId=1_afm4vmij&referenceId=tag:reuters.com,2022:newsml_RW505707122022RP1_K15&pageId=RefinitivNewscasts
Source: Thomson Reuters

Description: Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed a far-right politician
as a deputy minister with influence on some school activities. Critics fear
his history of anti-LGBTQ speech could mean a step backwards. Lucy Fielder has
more.
Short Link: https://refini.tv/3UFivZR

Video Transcript:

>> Incoming Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has named a far-right
politician with a history of Anti-LGBTQ speech to head a new national Jewish
identity body giving him powers over some school activities. Avi Maoz's
appointment drew outcry from mayors, municipalities, and 300 school principals
who told Netanyahu they wouldn't play along with a politician who endangers
pluralism and democratic values. Maoz said he wants to beat back progressive
agendas in schools and strengthen national Jewish identity. As a deputy
minister in charge of the new body, he'll have authority over extra-curricular
content like guest lectures in Israeli classrooms. Tehila is a support group
for parents of LGBTQ children, and it sends speakers to schools. Chair Miri
Bialer says that stopping that would turn back the clock. "It's putting the
children back in the closet and sending them back into ignorance," she says.
Last week Maoz called for the Jerusalem gay pride march to be canceled,
describing it as an abominable and promiscuous parade. That prompted Netanyahu
to pledge the event would go ahead. Maoz has said he is not anti-gay but
rather opposed to the LGBTQ movement. He said the outcry was part of a wild
campaign by the left after it lost the election. >> This campaign is nothing
less than an incitement to rebellion and an attempt to prevent a prime
minister designate forming the only legitimate and elected government after
the election. >> Omri Aharon is the father of a first grader. >> If it really
is going in that direction, then of course I'm against it because it doesn't
sound like something liberal right now. It sounds like it will take our
culture and our children backwards. I wouldn't like to see such changes. >>
Netanyahu's government will be one of the most right-wing in Israel's history.
He has rejected criticism of the appointment, saying he would lead his
government according to the national and democratic principles that had always
guided him