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Just an interesting story I thought you might like. I saw this on PlanetOut.com, since they send me news every day. The article reads:
The first openly gay member of the Knesset, Israel's Parliament, will be sworn in next month. The Meretz Party has announced that Uzi Even would succeed Amnon Rubinstein when he retires from politics.
A Tel Aviv University chemistry professor, Even has lived with his partner for 12 years and raised a son with him.
He served for several years in the Israeli military and worked on a number of scientific projects for the army, but was fired and his security classification withdrawn after he he came out.
In 1993, Even shared his story with the Knesset during a conference on the rights of gays. His remarks struck a chord in the media, and afterwards then prime minister Yitzhak Rabin appointed him to a committee that helped open the military to gays and lesbians.
Even told reporters Wednesday that he would fight for gay rights in the Knesset.
"My joining the Knesset would be a very important step for every gay," Even said. "The message is you no longer have to be ashamed. You can even be elected to the Knesset."
Members of the religious parties criticized the move. United Torah Judaism member Avraham Ravitz said gays have too much legitimacy in Israel already, and that he would fight to stop Even from passing any gay rights legislation.
"These people have a very big problem," Ravitz said. "People display various kinds of deviant behavior, but I don't see cities organizing parades for people to take pride in kleptomania."
Even dismissed the attack.
"Beyond the hue and cry, I hope I can contribute to the Knesset. My membership will raise the Knesset standard."
"Be excellent to each other, and, party on dudes"!
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