The Government’s bill to restrict Jews to 20 per cent in Hungary’s economic and cultural life passed its second reading in the Lower House today. Among those voting against it were the Social Democrats, the Democrats and several independents.
The bill, which was introduced April 7, provides for establishment of a proportional restriction on Jews in employment in the press, cinema, stage, business enterprises and banks. Trade and industry are given five years to put the restriction into effect, but the press, stage and cinema are given only one year. The textile industry is granted ten years.
During the debate this week in the Lower House Government supporters defended the bill as necessary to ensure participation of the Hungarians in economic life. It was attacked by the Liberals as unconstitutional and a libel against the Jews who had been largely instrumental in building up Hungary’s trade and industry, and assailed by the Rightist extremists as not far-reaching enough.
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