A leading conservative rabbi in Israel has claimed that he's not homophobic, despite labelling homosexuality “an illness” and saying that Israel “looks more and more like LGBTistan.”
Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira was speaking at a right-wing religious conference when he made the controversial remarks.
“Anyone who says something about a healthy and faith-based family is considered to have phobias, to be someone who is an extremist,” he said. “Why? Because he expressed an opinion that has been the basis of all humanity and the entire Torah!”
He continued: “I have invested many hours in helping those who have difficulty in this area [sexuality and gender]."
“But there is an illness that is spreading and taking over. We’re becoming a country that looks more and more like LGBTistan."
Shapira again reiterated that his views did not mean that he was homophobic or extremist, claiming he and those with similar beliefs were being "singled out for expressing the voice of sanity”.
Shapira was one of the rabbis who signed a letter to Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked last year in opposition of same-sex parents being allowed to adopt.
The letter read: “These days voices are being raised seeking to change the custom of the state, in a way that is contrary to the human morality that emanates from our holy Torah.
“Our holy Torah is a beacon and moral compass to the Jewish people and the whole world."
It continued: “Therefore, it is fitting that in Israel we be on guard to strengthen family values and preserve a public space that respects the values of human morality and Judaism."
However, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of same-sex couples and homophobic discrimination in adoption will be outlawed from June this year.
