Education Minister Peretz Apologizes for ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’ Comments

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL  — (07-18-19) — Israel’s education minister Rafi Peretz, has apologized for his controversial remarks about ‘gay conversion therapy” and intermarriage among Diaspora Jews that drew worldwide backlash.

Rafi Peretz, leader of a small right wing religious nationalist party, wrote in a letter to the head of the Jewish Agency on Tuesday that his remarks likening marriage between Diaspora Jews and non-Jews to a “second Holocaust” was “misplaced.”

The Education Minister’s comment at a Cabinet meeting last week was leaked to the press.

Rafi Peretz Apologizes for Outrageous ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’ Comments

In another letter to school administrators, Peretz continued his damage control by saying he “vehemently opposed” a controversial technique that seeks to convert gay men into heterosexuals after originally saying he supported it.

Peretz’ comments about conversion therapy drew immediate condemnation and protests in Tel Aviv.

Peretz, a former chief rabbi in Israel’s IDF, assumed office in Israel’s interim government in June.

(Photo Courtesy of Haaretz)

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer