MK Matalon
Photo: Shaul Golan
Ministers reject another Yisrael Beitenu 'loyalty bill'
Proposal presented by rightist MK calls to revoke voting right from anyone convicted of offenses that 'damage the state's democratic foundation'
The ministerial legislative committee rejected on Sunday a bill according to which those convicted of security offenses against the state and its civilians will not be allowed to vote.
The bill, presented by Yisrael Beitenu Knesset Member Moshe (Mutz) Matalon, also calls to revoke the right to vote from anyone convicted of offenses that "damage the state's democratic foundation."
The bill is meant to prevent convicted terrorists and people such as Yigal Amir, who assassinated prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, from being eligible to vote.
In his explanation to the bill, MK Matalon wrote, "Apart from the punishment such offenders received from the courts, taking away their right to vote would constitute yet another indication that they are no longer a part of society."
A previous bill put forth by Yisrael Beitenu, stating that those who wish to retain Israeli citizenship would have to declare their loyalty to Israel as a Jewish state, was also rejected by the committee.
