MK Khenin: Biometric database is bad news

After several delays, the Interior Ministry on Monday commenced the two-year pilot stage of Israel’s National Biometric Database Program. When completed, the database will include the biometric information – a face scan and fingerprints – of all Israeli citizens, accessible without court order to the police and security forces, including the army, the military police…

Reduced fees for civil suits following sexual assault

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni announced, Sunday, quick moves to reduce the fees for filing civil suits growing out of sexual assaults. The announcement followed discussion of legislation on the subject, proposed by Member of Knesset Dov Khenin (Hadash). MK Khenin welcomed the decision, noting: “Studies show the fees are a significant economic barrier which joins other barriers…

Gay student anti-discrimination bill advances

A bill prohibiting discrimination against elementary and high school students based on sexual orientation, identity or gender was approved in a preliminary Knesset vote on Wednesday. The legislation, proposed by MK Dov Khenin (Hadash), has government support and is meant to prevent social, verbal and physical harm to LGTB youth. “We are taking an important…

MK Khenin accused Yesh Atid of doing the right-wing government’s dirty work

MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) told the Knesset Wednesday, “The proposal to change the method of governance is anti-democratic. Increase the Knesset entrance threshold? What about small Arab and left-wing parties? How will they have enough votes to enable fair democratic representation? Additionally, how can the proposal warrant allowing a government to continue its tenure following a no-confidence…

Israeli puppeteers protest closing of Palestinian theater festival

Puppeteers from the Israeli version of Sesame Street protested Monday against Israel’s closure of a Palestinian children’s puppet festival, arguing that puppet theatre poses no threat to Israeli security.  Israel’s Ministry of Public Security last week ordered the temporary closure of the Hakawati Theater, the Palestinian national theater in occupied Arab-Palestinian East Jerusalem, canceling a…