Knesset Battle Looms over Bill to Abolish Censorship in the Theater

A battle is shaping up in the Knesset over a measure to abolish censorship in the legitimate theater. The Cabinet voted 8-5 with two abstentions yesterday to have such a measure drafted and presented to the Knesset. The measure was opposed by Premier Golda Meir, Minister of Agriculture Chaim Gvati and the three National Religious Party ministers. It was supported by Deputy Premier Yigal Allon and seven of his colleagues.

The NRP announced today that it intends to fight against the proposed amendment to the public performance ordinances. Under the present law, all theater plays must be licensed by the film and theater censorship board. Allon and his fellow ministers argued that Israel was emulating the British example of theater censorship inherited in 1948, at a time when the British themselves and most of the free world have abolished it.

While the amendment, if passed, would have long-range effects on censorship in Israel, the immediate issue is the censorship board’s recent banning of the play, “Friends Talk About Jesus,” by Amos Kenan, on grounds that it was offensive to the Christian faith. NRP ministers argued that extreme caution was required by Israel with regard to any material which might offend any sector of the community and spark tension. Supporters of Kenan’s play say it is not directed against any faith but is an indictment of modern Israeli society.

Allon joined the supporters after the Council for Culture and Art recommended that the play should not be banned. His proposal to abolish censorship was rejected last month by the ministerial committee on internal affairs and services. Allon’s appeal against the committee’s stand was upheld by yesterday’s Cabinet vote.

The Beirut newspaper An Nahar reported today that a delegation of Palestinian Arabs will meet soon with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican.