Bill would allow for mandatory paternity testing

Haaretz.com, Israel

The Knesset set in motion yesterday a revolution in Israeli family law when it gave initial passage to a bill that would allow the courts to order men to take paternity tests.

Family courts will be empowered to order paternity tests if they are convinced that "there is a reasonable chance that the petitioner's arguments are correct," according to the proposal. The alleged fathers will have the opportunity to state their case - but if they refuse an order to undergo the test, they can be fined or jailed for contempt of court, and the court is allowed to view the refusal as proof of paternity. Men can also initiate proceedings, requesting a paternity test to prove that they are not the father.

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