OIC Denounces Israeli Bill Targeting Mosque Loudspeakers
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset's preliminary approval of a bill that would restrict the Muslim call to prayer from mosques across the country. The OIC called the proposed legislation a “discriminatory and racist legislative measure that constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of religion and worship.”
In a formal statement, the OIC said: “This legislation represents a dangerous escalation within the context of a series of racist Israeli decisions, legislation, and measures aimed at restricting the Palestinian presence and targeting Arab and Islamic identity; it also constitutes a direct attack on the sanctity of religious rites and Islamic holy sites.”
Knesset Preliminary Vote Passes with 50 in Favor
Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday passed the so-called “muezzin bill” in a preliminary vote, with 50 votes in favor and 36 against. The bill aims to restrict the use and volume of mosque loudspeakers used for the adhan, the Islamic call to prayer. It requires three additional votes before it can become law.
The bill was introduced by Knesset member Zvika Fogel from the right-wing Otzma Yehudit party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. It also gained support from the opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu and the ultra-Orthodox party Shas, which is part of the government coalition.
Fines and Enforcement for Non-Compliance
The muezzin is the official who proclaims the call to prayer five times daily, including the predawn Fajr prayer. If the law is enacted, mosques would be required to obtain a permit to use loudspeakers. Those that do not comply could face fines of approximately $16,700. Police would have the authority to confiscate loudspeakers and issue fines of $3,340 for repeated violations.
The OIC's condemnation highlights the broader context of Israeli policies that the organization views as targeting Palestinian identity and Islamic religious practices. The bill has drawn criticism from various international and regional bodies as a restriction on religious freedom.
