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8 Cheshvan 5769 - November 7, 2008 | Mordecai Plaut, director Published Weekly
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NEWS
Chareidi MKs Unable to Defeat Property Distribution Bill

By Eliezer Rauchberger

Following concerted efforts by chareidi MKs to defeat the proposal, on Wednesday the Knesset plenum passed a bill in the Knesset plenum regarding financial arrangements for couples in the process of divorce, which was brought for second and third readings despite a decision by the Agreements Committee. The bill allows property to be divided even before a get is given, thereby undermining the authority of the rabbinical courts and the entire issue of marital status.

The decision to bring the bill for a vote in second and third readings was made by Knesset Chairwoman MK Dalia Itzik following a High Court petition filed by the Reform Movement against her delay in bringing the bill for a vote in violation of Knesset regulations.

The proposal was brought for second and third readings during the final week of the summer session three months ago, but the chareidi parties insisted it should be seen as a no- confidence vote, so the vote was postponed until the first day of the winter session, i.e. last week.

Then due to the decision to disband the Knesset and hold general elections, the Knesset chose not to vote on controversial proposals. Instead the Agreements Committee was set up among the factions to determine which bills would be brought for a vote.

The Agreements Committee determined that this law should not be brought for a vote, but after the High Court petition was filed against her, the Knesset Chairwoman deviated from the Agreements Committee's decision.

Now some Knesset members worry that all of the decisions made by the Agreements Committee could get canceled, resulting in total anarchy before the Knesset closes for the elections recess. One of the concerns is that Knesset House Committee Chairman David Tal could call a vote for a proposal to require a referendum on returning the Territories.

MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni said every effort was made to prevent the law regarding asset distribution for couples seeking a divorce from passing, but at the same time he noted that because of the upcoming primaries for the secular parties as well as the general elections campaign, it was very difficult to persuade MKs not to act in a populist manner.

 

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