In order to understand the influence of religion in legislation considered by the Knesset, take a look at an anti fur-importation bill intended to promote humane treatment of animals. The legislation would mandate one year prison sentences for any individual caught importing dog, cat, and rabbit fur. Proponents of the bill claim that some animals are skinned alive, a clearly inhumane act. However, many religious men wear shtreimels, a hat made from fur and seen in the picture below. Therefore, opponents of the legislation state that costs for shtreimels will rise and that the legislation should incorporate a loop-hole permitting the importation of fur used solely for religious purposes, such as the manufacturing of these hats. The legislation already cleared the Ministerial Legislation Committee and the full Knesset will begin deliberations soon. The hats in question, look like this:
Photo from ynetnews.
