Swiss nationalists vote on banning Muslim minarets | July 09, 2008

Here is an important development that warrants the attention of people interested in the development of positive interreligious relations.

It should be noted that the Swiss People's Party and the fringe Federal Democratic Union are anti-immigrant groups who have sponsored similar campaigns, and generally do not enjoy the favor of most Swiss citizens.

GENEVA (AP) — Swiss nationalists have forced a nationwide referendum on whether to ban the construction of minarets where Muslims issue the call to prayer — a proposal that, if approved, could clash with Switzerland's constitutionally protected right to freedom of religion.

The Interior Ministry said it received a proposal Tuesday with more than the required 100,000 signatures.

It was submitted by members of the nationalist Swiss People's Party and the fringe Federal Democratic Union, who say they are acting to fight the political spread of Islam. They argue that the minaret is a symbol of political and religious claim to power rather than a mere religious sign.
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