A new bill calls on the State of Israel to recognize gay partners of fallen soldiers as bereaved spouses for compensation and rehabilitation. In addition, the bill seeks to recognize both same-sex parents of a fallen IDF soldier as his parents, without requiring the submission of special requests or legal action in the matter.

According to the bill’s sponsor, MK Revital Swid (Zionist Camp): “On the eve of Memorial Day in 2015, the time has come to recognize same-sex couples as equals even with respect to the bereaved.” Swid’s proposal includes a small but significant change in the wording of the existing law. Thus, instead of the terminology “widow of the fallen” which appears in the current law, the new text uses the vague and more inclusive term “the spouse of the fallen.” In addition, Swid’s proposal requires that all sections which appear in reference to the term “woman” or “divorcee”, will be adjusted so that the law will also address the “man “or” divorced “.

Today, the law “Families of Fallen Soldiers” does not recognize a situation where a partner in a same-sex couple can be considered the widow or widower, and doesn’t consider a scenario in which same-sex parents can legally mourn their child. Also it’s not regulated by law that a homosexual partner be recognized as a widower. The existing law defines a widower as a man who lost his wife or widow for a woman who lost her husband.

What are the chances of the bill passing? The new coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considered conservative and homophobic. Israel Beiteinu, the Jewish Home, Shas and Yahadut HaTorah have regularly prevented promoting legislation recognizing the gay community and its rights. A similar bill tabled in the previous session by former MK Avishay Braverman (Labor), was brought down even at the ministerial legislative committee hearings. In the past it was claimed that Jews will not allow legal recognition for same-sex couples, but it may be that the party’s Knesset members will support the rights of the community through legislation or regulations.