Words: Steve Brown

Israel has appointed its first ever openly gay minister.

Amir Ohana, 43, was named as the acting justice minister by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the previous office holder being sacked, the BBC reported.

His appointment comes after the parliament dissolved ahead of fresh elections this September after Netanuyahu – who is under investigation for alleged bribery and fraud - failed to get support from enough parties to form a new government.

Ohana – who is a gay rights activist and supports same-sex marriage, which is still not recognised in Israel unless performed abroad – is one of a number of openly gay MPs but is the first out minister.