The legislation permitting gender‑segregated academic programs recently cleared its second and third readings in the Knesset’s Education, Culture and Sports Committee and is slated for consideration by the full Knesset plenum pending final approval.
The bill, drafted by MK Limor Son Har‑Melech of the Otzma Yehudit party, seeks to overturn a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited gender‑segregated graduate programs.
The proposal would allow higher education institutions to offer distinct study tracks for women and men, subject to approval by elected representatives and academic authorities.
“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.
“By restoring freedom of choice to academia and safeguarding liberty for all, this law affirms the right of individuals to study in settings that align with their beliefs. A genuine champion of pluralism must respect those who opt for gender‑segregated education, and those invoking human‑rights rhetoric cannot deny an entire community its right to pursue higher learning in accordance with its values.”
The bill’s supporters argue that the Supreme Court’s earlier decision has effectively blocked ultra‑Orthodox men and women from accessing advanced education.
“In a Jewish and democratic state, there is no place for progressive coercion,” Har‑Melech added.
Protesters from the civil‑activist group Zazim gathered outside the Knesset in a gender‑segregated demonstration ahead of the vote.
“Civil protest remains the primary avenue for dissent, and we must recognize its importance,” said Reluca Ganea, CEO of Zazim Civil Action.
“If the legislation passes, we will not be able to rely on the High Court to strike it down, as the government may refuse to comply,” she warned.
Opponents contend that the bill institutionalizes discrimination under the pretext of integrating haredi communities into academia and could set a precedent for segregation in workplaces and public transport.
“These demands are already emerging, and we risk sliding down a slippery slope. Broad public pressure is the only effective means to halt this discriminatory legislation, and we urge citizens to join the effort,” Ganea concluded.