Opposition MKs raise signs during Knesset vote: 'Segregation is exclusion'

During a Knesset vote, opposition lawmakers displayed signs reading 'Segregation is exclusion,' according to Israeli media.

Opposition lawmakers raised signs reading 'Segregation is exclusion' during a morning Knesset vote on Thursday, according to Israeli media reports. The protest came hours after the Knesset approved the gender segregation bill in its third reading overnight, escalating tensions between the coalition and opposition over the legislation.

The Zioneer reported at 01:45 Jerusalem that the Knesset passed the gender segregation bill in its third reading, with a vote of 52-43. The bill, sponsored by MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), allows gender-separate study tracks in advanced-degree programs and gender-segregated public spaces on campuses, including libraries and cafeterias. The Zioneer also reported at the same time that opposition lawmakers protested after the earlier vote. The bill's passage followed the approval of an amendment to the Student Law, also passed early Thursday, enabling gender-separate advanced-degree tracks.

As The Zioneer reported on July 1, the Knesset Education Committee began voting on the gender segregation bill, which was part of a coalition deal linking it to an IDF service extension. The Zioneer has also reported on broader opposition protests against coalition legislation, including a June 29 confrontation over the bill's advancement despite a Haredi boycott.

The specific bill being voted on at the time of the protest was not identified. It remains unclear whether the protest was a coordinated action by opposition MKs and whether coalition lawmakers responded. The Zioneer will continue to monitor developments.

4 developments

1. 1 hour ago · 08:36 · 16 JulLatest

   Opposition MKs protested the vote by displaying signs reading 'Segregation is exclusion'.

2. 08:26 · 16 Jul

   Knesset passed the gender segregation bill in its third reading.

3. 02:29 · 16 Jul

   Opposition lawmakers protested in the Knesset following the vote.

• Developing12:44 · 12 JunOpposition MKs demand Sunday vote be blocked over procedural failures
• Developing13:45 · 11 JunOpposition lawmakers ejected from Knesset committee on media bill
• Developing09:13 · 1 JulKnesset Education Committee begins voting on academic gender segregation bill
• Strong21:37 · 29 JunCoalition advances bill despite Haredi boycott, Knesset floor erupts in ugly confrontation

Source and signal

• Internal intake