Posted on 06/18/21
| News Source: i24
Yamina party candidate allowed to join Israel's parliament because of Norwegian Law
History was made at the Knesset (Israel Parliament) on Wednesday with the swearing in of the legislative body's first deaf member.
Using sign language, Shirley Pinto, 32, became part of the new government led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett from her Yamina party.
Pinto was allowed a seat in the 120-member Knesset because of the so-called Norwegian Law that allows ministers to resign and the next candidate on the list to take their place. Pinto is replacing Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana. The Knesset is expected to welcome 16 new members this week due to the Norwegian Law.
Pinto is a long-time advocate for the disabled and is one of the founders of the Israeli Center for Deaf Studies.
The Knesset on Sunday voted to swear in the "change bloc" government, unseating Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years in power as Israel's longest-serving prime minister and confirming Bennett as the premier in a rotation agreement with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid.