Mosques' call to prayer in Israel may soon be much quieter after a bill aimed at muting the prayer calls, which are projected over loudspeakers, won preliminary approval Wednesday.
The amplified prayer calls usually begin just before 5 a.m. and occur at different times throughout the day, annoying nearby neighbors.
Those in support of the legislation believe it will improve the quality of life for those who live in close proximity to mosques.
“Israel is committed to freedom for all religions, but is also responsible for protecting citizens from noise,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in November, according to The New York Times.
Zouheir Bahloul, a member of Parliament, disagreed with Netanyahu and called the bill "dangerous."
"We're talking about small politicians who are trying to persecute the Arab minority in the country," he said, according to the Times. "It's a stain on the forehead of Israeli society and the state of Israel. In the book of laws, this law is the blackest."
Other opponents of the bill argue the measure is racist.
“You are committing a racist act,” said Ahmed Tibi, an Arab lawmaker, Reuters reported.
The legislation, if implemented, would prevent houses of worship in Israel from amplifying calls of prayer through loudspeakers from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The measure also would ban amplification of the prayer calls in residential areas at all hours of the day.
"This is a social-minded law that aims to protect citizens’ sleep, without, God-forbid, harming anyone’s religious faith," said legislator Motti Yogev, a sponsor of the bill, according to Reuters.
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