Israeli lesbians granted joint motherhood

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

The Israeli Family Court recognised lesbian couples as joint mothers for the first time on Sunday.

Tal and Avital Yarous-Hakak, received their adoption orders and are listed as the mothers of their three children.

The orders were issued in light of a High Court of Justice ruling on the matter, according to which adoption laws allow the process, even if the both partners are of the same gender.

They said they were satisfied with the decision and noted that it was a new precedent being set for families in similar situations.

The ruling also marks the end of a 17-year legal battle for the Yaros-Hakaks, but activists said it would be a while before the country fully recognises same sex unions.