Knesset weighs tax breaks for studious newlyweds

Knesset lawmakers will vote on legislation Sunday to grant tax benefits to couples who take a marriage preparation course.

The legislation was initiated by MK Yehuda Glick of the Likud party and co-sponsored by parliamentarians across the political spectrum from Merav Michaeli of the Zionist Union to Bezalel Smotrich of the Jewish Home.

The course is designed to provide couples with the tools to strengthen family ties, properly deal with problems in marriage and prevent cases of domestic violence.

Under the proposal, the Welfare and Social Services Ministry would encourage institutions to offer the marriage preparation class, and couples that take the training would receive a tax break.

In addition, the Treasury would reimburse the newlyweds for their marriage fee, as well as the charge for the prep-course itself.