Kesher Talk

Jews in odd places: South Africa: And they are experiencing the pitfalls of liberalism:

In a country with a long history of discrimination, South African Jews know how important it is to practice inclusion — and even sometimes force others to do so.
But when it comes to their own community, South African Jewish leaders are worried that new legislation aimed at preventing racial and other discrimination is threatening the Jewish character of the community’s educational and welfare institutions by forcing them to admit non-Jews.

If matters are not handled delicately, Jews could find themselves in a tough spot, as they try to defend their institutions’ Jewish character without appearing to be against the new non-discriminatory ethos emerging in South African society.

Called “The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act,” the new bill was put forth in 2000 and introduced in 2003 on a test basis in parts of the country.

There are different parts to it: One section is aimed at outlawing hate speech; another deals with discrimination in social services.

The bill mandates the establishment of “Equality Courts” to hear complaints from people who feel they have been subjects of discrimination.

Jewish leaders have welcomed the hate speech section. But the part about discriminating in social services has potentially serious consequences for institutions that limit admission to Jews.

posted by William @ 4/20/2004 08:28:56 AM