The Ammonite and the Moabite are prohibited [from marrying into the congregation], and their prohibition is per- petual. However, their women are permitted immediately. The Egyptian and the Edomite are prohibited [from marrying into the congregation] only until three generations, both males and females. R' Shimon permits the females immediately. R' Shimon said: This matter is [subject to] a fortiori reasoning —- if, in the case where the males were prohibited perpetually, the females were permitted immediately; then [how much more so] in the case where the males were prohibited only until three generations, that the females should be permitted immediately! They replied to him: If this is a precept [handed down], we will accept [it], but if it is a ruling, there is a rebuttal [to it]. He said to them: Not so, what I say is a precept. Mamzerim and Nesinites are prohibited [from marrying into the congregation], and their prohibition is perpetual, both male and female.