Bill allowing gender-segregated academic programs advances in Knesset committee

A bill that would permit gender-segregated academic programs has passed its second and third readings in the Knesset's Education, Culture and Sports Committee, moving closer to final approval by the plenum. The legislation, proposed by MK Limor Son Har-Melech, seeks to reverse a Supreme Court decision that previously barred gender separation in graduate programs.

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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. 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 proponents contend it restores "freedom of choice" to academia and respects diverse lifestyles. "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 stated. Supporters believe the law allows institutions to offer separate study tracks for men and women, aligning with the preferences of communities like the ultra-Orthodox, who they argue have been hindered from pursuing higher education by the previous ruling.

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In a Jewish and democratic state, there is no place for progressive coercion.

Conversely, critics express strong opposition, viewing the bill as a move to institutionalize discrimination under the guise of inclusivity. They warn that this legislation could set a precedent for segregation in other areas, such as workplaces and public transportation. "These demands are already being raised, and we are rapidly sliding down a slippery slope," said Reluca Ganea, CEO of Zazim Civil Action, a group that held a gender-segregated protest against the bill. Ganea emphasized that broad public pressure is essential to halt what they consider discriminatory legislation.

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Civil protest is the channel we have left. 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.

Activists from Zazim Civil Action gathered outside the Knesset to protest the bill, highlighting their concern that if passed, future legal challenges might be ineffective if the government refuses to comply with High Court rulings. They are calling for public engagement to prevent what they describe as a "slippery slope" toward increased societal segregation.

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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.