Israel became the first country in Asia to recognize unregistered cohabitation between same-sex couples, making it the first country in Asia to recognize same-sex unions in any capacity. Although same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1988, the former law against sodomy had not been enforced since a court decision in 1963. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights in Israel are considered the most developed in the Middle East. Only marriages sanctioned by the religious authorities may be performed within Israel (this also applies to opposite-sex couples who are not eligible for religious weddings) Same-sex marriages performed outside of Israel recognized since 2006, recognition of same-sex unions inside Tel-Aviv Yafo since 2020
Sexual orientation protection in employment and other services both sexual orientation and gender identity protections in schools ( see below) Mandatory Enlistment includes LGBT people serving openly Legal since 1988 (but no record of enforcement of 'buggery' law before this, and the Attorney General declared that laws against homosexuality would not be enforced in 1963)
