Israeli ministers to ban use of speakers for Muslim call to prayer due to ‘noise pollution’
Representatives of Israel’s Knesset have given their approval to what is known as the “muezzin bill” banning religious leaders from using loudspeakers or public address systems to summon worshippers for prayers.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislation debated the bill on Sunday before authorising it for a parliamentary vote. It is likely to be passed, since it has the backing of the country’s ruling coalition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support in his weekly cabinet meeting, saying that “citizens of all religions” have complained about excessive noise from muezzins, mosque officials who traditionally call worshippers to prayers from the building’s minaret.