Israeli Parliament Advances Bill to Restrict Mosque Loudspeakers

Israel’s parliament has approved the preliminary reading of a controversial bill that would restrict the use of loudspeakers at places of worship, a proposal widely viewed as targeting the Muslim call to prayer. The bill, commonly referred to as the “Muezzin Bill,” passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset on Wednesday by 50 votes to 36. The proposed legislation would regulate the use of loudspeaker systems at houses of worship under provisions aimed at limiting noise. However, public and political debate has centred primarily on its potential impact on the Muslim call to prayer (adhan) broadcast from mosques. The bill was introduced by Otzma Yehudit lawmaker Zvika Fogel. It must still pass committee review and three additional readings in the […]