|
The Society for the Protection of Personal Rights
for Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals in Israel
(SPPR)
P.O.B. 37604,
Tel Aviv 61375
Tel: 03-6204327, 6293681;
Fax: 03-5252341
Executive
Director: Amit Kama
Since its founding in 1975 by a group of pioneers,
the SPPR has worked to help create an environment in Israel in
which minorities are respected and diversity embraced. SPPR's
basic goals are threefold: to work for full legal, social and
cultural equality for Israel's gay, lesbian, and bisexual
community; to provide support and social interaction for members
of the community; to educate the public about related issues and
perspectives in order to achieve better understanding and tolerance
of the "other", as well as a sense of pluralism within
Israeli society.
SPPR's work focuses on legal action. In 1992,
a bill amending the law of Equal Rights at the Workplace, providing
protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation in
the workplace, was passed in the Knesset. This amendment was contested
by an El Al employee who demanded that a free ticket be provided
to his partner as was provided to all heterosexual partners by
El Al. The Supreme Court set a precedent by ruling that same-gender
couples are entitled to full equality. In February 1995, Tel
Aviv University followed suit and agreed to grant full spousal
benefits to a professor's partner, including pension rights
and free tuition. The formation of a parliamentary subcommittee
in February 1993 ensured that these issues are addressed at the
national level. As of June 1993, the I.D.F. is one of the only
armies in the world which mandates that gay and lesbian soldiers
are to be recruited, placed and advanced like any other soldier.
In 1994 a municipal committee on gay issues was formed in Tel
Aviv and is chaired by the mayor.
The SPPR also provides support and social interaction,
maintaining two community centers in Tel Aviv and Haifa which
house support groups for several sub-communities, a library,
and sponsor a variety of programming, including study groups,
lectures, discussions and films. SPPR's other projects
include: a telephone hotline, HaKav HaLavan, which offers counselling
and peer support for those with questions or concerns about their
sexual orientation; publication of education pamphlets by the
AIDS Awareness Committee; a coffee-shop in the SPPR community
center, CAFE PLUS, for individuals with AIDS and HIV-positive
persons, regardless of sexual orientation; a lecture service
to raise public awareness and help overcome fear and hatred.
"The army that will defeat terrorism doesn't wear uniforms, or drive
Humvees, or calls in air-strikes. It doesn't have a high command, or
high security, or a high budget. The army that can defeat terrorism
does battle quietly, clearing minefields and vaccinating children. It
undermines military dictatorships and military lobbyists. It subverts
sweatshops and special interests.Where people feel powerless, it
helps them organize for change, and where people are powerful, it
reminds them of their responsibility." ~~~~ Author Unknown ~~~~
|
Today's
Educational
Pleasure:
Books and Gifts 
