Q&A: "Conversion" in relation to the legal authorities
"Conversion" in relation to the legal authorities
Question
The High Court of Justice, after repeated requests to the legislature [15 years…], decided that if the legislature neither says yes nor says no, and is basically evading a decision, then there is no choice but to decide.
And here it ruled, by 1, that the authorities must recognize a process carried out in existing, functioning communities that define it as conversion—to recognize this conversion.
It also took care to emphasize that it was not entering into the religious aspect of the matter, but only the civil aspect, since for the time being this lack of decision is causing injustice to those people.
It also added that of course it would be proper for the legislature to decide. [And there is no need for a special majority or for 61 votes; rather,] a simple majority is enough—1 in favor against 0 abstaining or opposing. Or 2 in favor against 1 abstaining and 1 opposing would also be enough [if I understood correctly].
And then the law will of course be according to the legislature's decision—that is, this is temporary until a different law is enacted.
My question: does the Rabbi think there is any flaw at all in the court's decision?
Answer
Absolutely not. It is entirely called for. Even Solberg, in the minority opinion, agreed with the decision in principle.