The Ministry of Transport committee charged with investigating the role of gender segregated bus lines today reported to the High Court of Justice that the practice is illegal because it discriminates against and humiliates members of the public. The bus lines, mainly in Jerusalem operated by the Egged Bus Cooperative, are known locally as Mehadrin buses. Women are compelled to sit at the back and men at the front.
The High Court of Justice has asked the Minister of Transport to submit a professional opinion within 30 days.
Despite ruling that the gender segregation is illegal, the Ministry of Transport committee said that if the practice of gender segregation reflects the will of all passengers then it could be acceptable for private companies. However, the ministry said that public transport companies should not operate such lines or enforce segregation.
The Ministry of Transport was ordered to set up the committee last year after the Israel Religious Action Center of Progressive Jewry (Reform)and novelist Naomi Ragen petitioned the High Court of Justice against the segregated bus lines.
There were many protestors outside the Supreme Court building in Jerusalem today, including Jerusalem council member Rachel Azaria, demonstrating against the gender segregated bus lines.
In recent months there have been reports of increasing violence against secular and modern Orthodox women who board segregated buses and refuse to sit at the back.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 27, 2009
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