Draft Law Will Protect IDF Soldiers Who Refuse to Hear Women Sing
Bill authorizes Military Rabbinate to rule on points of Jewish religious law and stipulates the protection of religious freedom for non-Jews serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation will decide on Sunday whether a bill that would protect soldiers who refuse to attend ceremonies at which women sing will be backed by the coalition.
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The draft law, which is sponsored by MKs Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) and Yaakov Katz (National Union), says, "No soldier shall be dismissed from his position for failing to carry out an order that contravenes the laws of his religion."
The bill authorizes the Military Rabbinate to rule on points of Jewish religious law and also stipulates the protection of religious freedom for non-Jews serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
"The participation of soldiers who are committed to observing the Torah and the commandments is a strategic asset," the bill's preamble states.
The draft law would seem to contradict the explicit position of Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz according to which soldiers are barred from leaving official military ceremonies in which women sing.
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