Israeli Lawmakers Propose Bill To Outlaw Talk About Jesus, Jail Offenders.
A bill has been introduced by two Israeli Knesset members seeking to criminalize any attempts to share information about Jesus with the public.
If the bill is approved, individuals who discuss Jesus in Israel could face imprisonment for at least one year. The punishment would be increased to two years for conversations with minors.
The proposed legislation would apply to people of any faith who try to persuade others to consider changing their current religious beliefs.
The bill’s primary focus appears to be stopping Christians, specifically followers of Jesus, from explaining why they believe in him as the Messiah and God, with the aim of convincing Israelis to follow him. This would criminalize not only in-person conversations, but also digital solicitation or conversion efforts, including producing and publishing online videos, books, articles, podcasts, or other forms of media that explain the life and ministry of Jesus and His message found in the New Testament.
This bill could create tension with Evangelical Christians in the United States and worldwide, who are some of the biggest supporters of Israel. The bill may face criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, governors, and others who support Israel but oppose silencing followers of Jesus in the Holy Land.
The bill poses a significant threat to free speech, human rights, and religious freedom, according to former U.S. Ambassador of International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback.
There has been a backlash on Twitter against the bill, with some users accusing Zionism of being a non-religious cult that uses the Jewish faith to advance its agenda.
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