Knesset approves preliminary reading of bill to limit mosque loudspeakers

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, July 02 (YPA) – The Knesset plenum approved, on Wednesday, in a preliminary reading, the “Muezzin Law” proposal, which effectively aims to restrict the use of loudspeakers in mosques under the pretext of preventing “noise,” by a vote of 50 in favor and 36 against.

The approval in the preliminary reading is the first stage in the legislative process, after which the bill will be referred to the Knesset Committee to determine the committee that will discuss it. It must then pass the first reading, followed by the second and third readings, in order to become binding law.

The bill, submitted by MK Zvika Fogel of the “Otzma Yehudit” party, proposes restricting the use of sound systems in places of worship. However, the Israeli debate surrounding it, since it was introduced in various versions over recent years, has mainly focused on the call to prayer (adhan) and loudspeakers in mosques, in what Palestinians consider a direct targeting of the Arab population and a violation of freedom of worship.

The proposal stipulates a ban on installing or operating loudspeaker systems in mosques without prior authorization, under a framework of “prohibition as the default and permission as the exception.” Accordingly, loudspeakers may only be used after meeting conditions related to sound intensity, noise reduction measures, the mosque’s location, its proximity to residential areas, and its impact on surrounding residents.

It also grants the police broad enforcement powers, including ordering mosque officials to immediately stop using loudspeakers if a violation of permit conditions is suspected, as well as confiscating sound equipment if use continues in violation of the rules.

The bill imposes a fine of up to 50,000 shekels for installing or operating loudspeaker systems without a permit, and a fine of 10,000 shekels for violating the conditions of an issued permit.

@E.Y.M