According to a bill filed by two members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, sharing the Gospel of Jesus may soon be illegal in Israel.
Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, members of the United Torah Judaism Knesset, proposed legislation making it unlawful to evangelise through conversation, print, web content, or mail.
The measure specifies fines such as one year in prison for adults and up to two years for sharing with youngsters under 18.
Critics believe that the bill undermines free speech and religious expression in Israel, which has a tiny but thriving Christian community.
Joel Rosenberg, editor-in-chief of All Israel News and a Jewish follower of Jesus, said, “It is terrible that anyone could be punished simply for explaining their faith to another person. This is not freedom.”
Evangelical groups around the world have expressed concern, warning that the measure could damage Israel’s relationships with millions of believers in the United States and elsewhere.
Gafni had previously introduced a similar ban in 1999, but it was not implemented. Analysts believe the party’s stronger position in Netanyahu’s coalition makes the new proposal more likely to pass.
Supporters believe that it is meant to protect citizens from unwelcome proselytising, whilst opponents see it as a direct limitation on human liberties and religious expression.
The bill has generated disputes in Israel and around the world, as lawmakers and religious leaders evaluate its possible impact.
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