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COOKIES & PRIVACY POLICY

Amsterdam's Chief Rabbi suspended over gay cure 'support'

The Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam has been suspended after seemingly agreeing that homosexuality can be cured.

Peter Lloyd

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:03:53 GMT | Updated 1 years today

The Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam has been suspended after seemingly agreeing that homosexuality can be cured.

Aryeh Ralbag, the top Jewish leader of The Netherlands' capital city, was suspended today by the board of the Orthodox Jewish community.

According to the Jerusalem Post, it comes after he signed a document describing homosexuality as an inclination which "can be modified and healed."

Naturally, the move sparked criticism amongst the city's gay-friendly community.

The document - Declaration On The Torah Approach To Homosexuality - apparently called on "authority figures" to "guide same-sex strugglers towards a path of healing and overcoming their inclinations."

"Rabbi Ralbag's signature may give the impression the Orthodox Jewish community of Amsterdam shares his view," a press release by the community's board read.

"This is absolutely untrue. Homosexuals are welcome at the Amsterdam Jewish community."

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