Against the background of the rift within the coalition, one of the three proposals of Blue and White passed in the plenum • MK Ginzburg: "This law is not against anyone, he is in favor" • Minister Elkin replied: "You are following Balad"
"Blue and white will continue to promote Israeli society"
Photography:
Danny Shem Tov, Spokeswoman for the Knesset
The addition of the right to equality to the Basic Law on Human Dignity and Liberty was approved today (Wednesday) in a preliminary reading in the plenum.
Similar proposals by MKs Antans Shehadeh and 'Adir Kamal Smell did not pass.
The approved proposal was submitted on behalf of Blue and White by the faction's chairman, MK Eitan Gisenburg.
It seeks to enshrine in the existing law the right to equality and the prohibition of discrimination.
As you may recall, Blue and White announced the promotion of a series of significant laws at this sensitive time about a week and a half ago, without coordination with the Likud.
The debate on the Basic Law for Equality was supposed to take place as early as last Wednesday, on the day the law to dissolve the Knesset was approved in a preliminary reading, but Blue and White withdrew the proposal.
MK Gisenburg, who presented the proposal, noted: "The right to equality is so fundamental in a democracy, but it is not clearly enshrined in the law book of the State of Israel.
This proposal is not against anyone, it is in favor. "
MK Shehadeh demanded from the plenum: "Respect us and our history, acknowledge injustices.
We have rights, we are locals, natives.
We citizens want to be equal citizens. "
MK Mariach said: "I and a quarter of Israeli citizens, Druze, Muslims, Christians, and Circassians, are becoming second-class citizens in the Jewish state.
It is time 72 years after the establishment of the state that the right to equality, which is so fundamental to a democratic state, be enshrined in the Basic Law of Equality.
This will not only not harm the character of the State of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, but will strengthen it. "
According to Minister Avi Nissenkorn: "This law speaks of equality for the individual, we are not talking here about national rights. Those who vote against vote against equality and for racism."
Minister Zeev Elkin replied: "My friends, a white brush and a future, what happened to you? You are following Balad here.
The meaning of the laws you have drafted is not absolute for all the Jewish symbols of the State of Israel.
To change the anthem, the symbols, the Law of Return, all the symbols of our being a Jewish state - for the purpose of this legislation.
You are coming to undermine the law of nationality and the character of the State of Israel as Jewish and democratic. "
The bill to return advances to couples whose marriage was canceled due to the corona of MK Hila Shay and Zan was also approved in a preliminary reading.
Blue and White Chairman and Defense Minister Bnei Gantz said: "I am proud and welcome the passage of important laws that promote the State of Israel to a more equal and secure future for all Israeli citizens and for young couples at the beginning of their journey, affected by such a severe corona crisis." .
Blue and White will continue to do everything in their power to promote Israeli society to be better and fairer for all. "