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With discrimination protections at risk, protests planned across Israel

Entrepreneurs, retired judges, municipalities and academics all are warning against the new government's stated intention to amend Israel's anti-discrimination law.  
Amir Levy/Getty Images

Incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed coalition deals Wednesday that will enable him to present his new government to the Knesset on Thursday. The agreements include a clause calling to amend Israel’s anti-discrimination law.  

It reads, "In order to correct the distortion in the status quo recently introduced, the law prohibiting discrimination in products, services and entrance to entertainment venues and public places will be amended. Thus, the possibility of holding cultural events or studies for religious and ultra-Orthodox people, while taking into account their religious beliefs and needs, including gender segregation, will be anchored [in law]. Under these conditions, segregation will not be considered prohibited discrimination."

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