Israel HC criticises 'kosher' for preventing women aboard

JERUSALEM: A controversial bus line dubbed 'kosher', which caters to the 'Haredim' community in Israel, has been slammed by the country's High court for preventing women wearing pants aboard on grounds of immodesty.
       
"It is inconceivable for a driver not to allow a woman on a bus because she is wearing pants and is not dressed modestly enough," Justice Elyakim Rubinstein was quoted as saying by news portal 'Ynetnews'.
       
The High Court panel, composed of Justice Rubenstein, Justice Salem Jubran and Justice Yoram Dantziger, noted that 'even if Haredim lines are allowed to operate, the clothing and gender-separation restrictions in play on them cannot be imposed on people who object to it'.
       
The justices also noted that a solution to continual harassment must also be found, be it by training drivers to defend passengers, or by clearly designating the buses in question as 'kosher'.
 
The court asked the transportation ministry to investigate and review claims, the report said.
 
The court began its deliberations on the petition filed by Center for Jewish Pluralism. The petitioners had also called upon the court to examine whether these 'kosher' lines are an actual necessity for the ultra-orthodox community.