Israeli Parliament Passes Gender Segregation Law Amid Opposition Criticism and Netanyahu's Absence
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Israeli Knesset passed a gender segregation law in higher education with 52 votes for and 43 against, sparking strong opposition criticism. MK Efrat Rayten condemned the law as discriminatory and criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for not voting. The law reflects growing tensions over gender and religious issues in Israel, with opposition parties preparing to challenge related government reforms.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli Knesset approves gender segregation law in advanced academic degrees by 52-43 vote.
- Opposition MK Efrat Rayten calls the law discriminatory and one of Israel's worst.
- Law aims to accommodate Haredi women's requests for gender-segregated study.
- Rayten criticizes government for endorsing exclusion and compares it to segregated sidewalks in Bnei Brak.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu absent from vote, sparking opposition outrage.
- Opposition plans to fight related government reforms threatening press freedom and equality.
The Israeli Knesset approved a law allowing gender segregation in advanced academic degrees late Wednesday night, with 52 members supporting and 43 opposing the bill. The legislation, championed by MK Limor Son Har-Melech of Otzma Yehudit, aims to accommodate requests from hundreds of Haredi women seeking such arrangements. However, opposition MK Efrat Rayten from the Democratic Party condemned the law as one of the worst in Israel's history, criticizing the government for endorsing gender exclusion and comparing it to recent segregated sidewalks in Bnei Brak.
Rayten emphasized the importance of freedom of choice and warned that the law signals a dangerous societal shift toward discrimination against women, describing it as "full-fledged Kahaneism." She also criticized the coalition for undermining democratic values and expressed relief that the current Knesset session is ending. Rayten further condemned other government initiatives, including a controversial communications reform bill she says threatens press freedom, and a law freezing the detention of draft dodgers, which the High Court has already suspended.
The opposition's frustration was heightened by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence during the vote, which Rayten interpreted as a deliberate snub. She recounted the opposition's spontaneous outcry against Netanyahu's exit, highlighting the personal impact on families with soldiers serving in the military. Rayten accused the coalition of damaging Israel through a series of harmful laws and political maneuvers since the start of the current term.
Looking ahead to the Democratic Party's upcoming primaries, Rayten expressed confidence in the party's growth and commitment, citing a surge in membership and candidate participation. She advocated for experienced incumbents to secure top spots on the party list, praising their parliamentary work despite challenges from both the coalition and opposition.
The gender segregation law's passage marks a significant moment in Israeli politics, reflecting ongoing tensions between secular and religious factions and raising concerns about the future of gender equality and democratic norms in the country.
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