ISRAEL
Haaretz

Recent cases of rabbinical and other leaders’ physical and mental exploitation of female believers sparked legislation initiated by Meretz MK.

Sharon Pulwer Mar 01, 2016

Israeli lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are moving forward with legislation that would outlaw sex between a religious or spiritual leader and one of his believers, comparing that situation to sexual relations between a therapist and a client, which is a criminal offense.

The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee will soon discuss the bill, which was initiated by MK Michal Rozin (Meretz) and passed its preliminary reading in January. Legislators from Habayit Hayehudi, Kulanu, Yesh Atid, the Joint Arab List and Zionist Union all support the legislation, part of a broader effort to address the phenomenon of cults and the role of rabbinic leaders in the country.

According to the proposal, sexual relations would be deemed a criminal offense…