CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM, Israel - On Monday, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) passed legislation outlawing Nazi or racist activities in the Jewish state.

The original bill, proposed by Member of Knesset (MK) Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) addressed only Nazism. But the Knesset Constitutional Committee suggested that the law should also address racism.

"I also included the whole notion of racism in the bill because the Knesset Constitutional Committee felt this would send a very powerful message, especially as Israel has signed several international conventions on this matter," Gafni said.

The new law criminalizes advocating, supporting or rallying for Nazi or racist issues.

"Israel never outlawed Nazi rallies because no one in their darkest, wildest dreams imagined this would be a necessary course of action," said Gafni.

Source: YNet news service