Israel’s parliament will retain a
contentious dress code banning short skirts, but will make its enforcement
and
sanctions against offenders gradual, a committee of MPs and parliamentary
staff ruled.
The decision on Tuesday came after staffers had demonstrated in December
when colleagues who wore skirts deemed too short were barred from entering
the
building.
The staffers said that security guards at Israel’s parliament, the
Knesset,
had started to strictly enforce rules on the length of skirts without
giving a
reason.
The committee was subsequently formed to examine the issue.
“It was agreed that the dress code would remain in place. At the same
time
it was decided to create an enforcement mechanism including issuing warnings
before denial of entry to the building,” a Knesset statement said.
Haaretz newspaper said on Wednesday that staff would initially get two
warnings about inappropriate dress and would only be denied entry if there
was
a third occasion.
“Arrival at the Knesset should be in proper and dignified attire,” the
statement added.
“One should not arrive in clothing which does not show respect for the
Knesset, such as T-shirts, crop-tops, shorts, sandals, short dresses or
skirts, tracksuits.”
It said that shirts bearing political slogans were also banned.
Haaretz said that the code did not specify what is an appropriate skirt
length, but the committee ruled that miniskirts were forbidden. (AFP)