The Knesset plenum gave final approval early Thursday to a bill that allows institutions of higher education to voluntarily open gender-separate study tracks in advanced-degree programs. The legislation, sponsored by MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), now becomes law. The final version emphasizes the optional nature of the segregation.
The Knesset plenum gave final approval to the gender segregation bill early Thursday morning, passing the legislation into law after months of committee deliberation. The bill, as passed, allows institutions of higher education to open gender-separate study tracks in advanced-degree programs on a voluntary basis — a key distinction from earlier drafts that had drawn criticism from academic and medical figures.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Thursday (01:46 Jerusalem), the Knesset approved the bill in its final reading. The legislation had advanced through the Education Committee last week, with the committee approving it for second and third readings on Monday, July 6. The bill's sponsor, MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), has argued the measure expands academic freedom for religious and traditional communities, while opponents including medical school deans and civil rights groups warned it would harm public health and entrench segregation.
The final text's emphasis on optionality — "if institutions wish" — may shape implementation, as it leaves the decision to individual institutions rather than mandating separation. The law applies to all advanced-degree programs, including master's and doctoral tracks. Its passage follows a coalition agreement that also linked the bill to an extension of mandatory IDF service, as reported by N12 earlier this month.
3 developments
- DevelopingKnesset education committee approves expanded gender segregation bill for final votes
- DevelopingKnesset advances bill extending statute of limitations for sex offenses
- DevelopingKnesset passes final law extending statute of limitations for sex offenses against minors to age 48
- DevelopingReport: Coalition deal ties gender segregation in advanced degrees to IDF service extension
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