A bill allowing for gender-segregated academic programs passed its second and third readings at the Knesset’s Education, Culture and Sports Committee on Monday, and will soon be brought before the Knesset plenum for final approval.
The bill, written by MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), seeks to overturn a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting gender-segregated graduate programs.
The bill would allow higher education institutions to offer separate study tracks for women and men at the discretion of elected representatives and academic institutions.
Supporters say bill restores freedom of choice
"Today we took a significant step toward correcting an injustice that has persisted for years. The Supreme Court imposed a radical progressive worldview on the public and denied thousands of women and men the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees without giving up their faith and their way of life,” Har-Melech said.
“This law restores freedom of choice to academia and liberty to the public. A true liberal who believes in pluralism should also respect those who choose to study in gender-segregated settings. Those who speak in the name of human rights cannot deny an entire community the right to study in accordance with its beliefs.”
The bill’s supporters have argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling has prevented ultra-Orthodox men and women from pursuing higher education.
“In a Jewish and democratic state, there is no place for progressive coercion,” Har-Melech stated.
Activists hold gender-segregated protest against bill
Protesters with Zazim Civil Action held a gender-segregated gathering outside of the Knesset ahead of the bill’s passing.
“Civil protest is the channel we have left,” said Zazim Community Action CEO Reluca Ganea.
“If the law passes, we will not be able to rely on the High Court striking it down, because the government may refuse to comply.”
Critics of the bill have argued that Har-Melech’s legislation seeks to institutionalize discrimination under the guise of integrating haredim into academia; and warned that it could expand into demands for segregation in the workplace and on public transportation.
“These demands are already being raised, and we are rapidly sliding down a slippery slope. Broad public pressure is the only thing that can stop this discriminatory legislation, and we call on the public to join us,” she added.