Swiss vote to ban minarets in referendum

[mateykatie]

Switzerland has voted to ban the construction of mosque minarets in a national referendum. 57% supported the ban.

Here is the BBC story.

Women voted for the ban more than men according to the Times.

This seems pretty horrible to me. I always thought the Swiss were tolerant but obviously not.

ShriekingHarpy - re "many Swiss citizens voted for the ban, primarily because they felt that the erection of more Minarets in Switzerland could lead to the introduction of Shariah law"

Are you serious? If that is indeed what Swiss populace thought, then my first thought is that such irrational people don't deserve a voice in any social decision. No of minarets in a country surely has to do with no of Muslims living there, not its proximity to the impending doom of Sharia

Given Switzerland's system of direct democracy, I would think the only way "introduction of Shariah law" can be a real possibility is if a majority of Swiss citizens are Muslims AND if they all want Sharia. Which is not about to happen, even if a thousand minarets were to be built there tomorrow.

If it is a worry about architecture, then minarets could presumably be built in a sort of tasteful (?) Swiss Chalet style, of log cabin style walls with nice wooden twirly carvings?

If it a ban on the loud broadcasting of the call to prayer, I have some sympathy and would suggest that there is a local consultation process that suggests that the faithful could receive the cal to prayer by text message (and that cuckoo clocks be similiarly programmed, and the time broadcast by 'cuckoo tweets').

But judging by the reports, it seems that the worry is about Islam being practiced by residents / citizens, per se, so yes, v intolerant.

Apparently, there is no call to prayer from the few minarets in Switzerland. (Fair enough)

I didn't see any chalets in the Swiss cities I visited, by the way. It's all very modern, multi-storey buildings. Chalets etc are in villages.

That's all right then - the Mosques can design a minaret in plate glass and steel.

But I suspect that that will not satisfy the Swiss referendim voters.

My parents are comming for a few days this Saturday, I will be able to ask more about the "mood" a couple of weeks on amongst Muslims and non-muslims in Switzerland and if they still think it was an "islamophobic" vote or not.

To answer a few of the questions posed.

The Swiss political right fought a very well run campaign to scare the more moderate voters, claiming that the building of minarets would be just a step on the road to sharia law. Of course few believed that, but it did make many think about the old 'give them a hand and they will take the whole arm' adage.

Someone asked about the differences between the different areas of Switzerland. The French speaking part of Switzerland, Suisse Romande around Geneva was one of the Cantons to vote against the banning of minarets.

One thing we have noticed is that the Italian Swiss are looked down upon, Ticino is seen as the 'poor house' of Switzerland. Good for us as the Italian specialities are very inexpensive in comparison to Germany.

The discussion is still raging in Switzerland, lately it has been more about whether the referendum system will be changed. There is concern that this will have to be done otherwise there is the risk that the Swiss will decide upon something that goes against International law.

Swiss youth have already erected Geneva's first minaret

Do you know anything about a minaret built in LEGO MmeLindt? I am not sure if i have actually heard of it or dreamt it!

Not heard about a LEGO minaret, Gorionine. Sounds like a good compromise. We use LEGO to build all buildings of worship. It can be used as a mosque, synagogue or church. Just a quick rebuild of the tower and off you go.

I love the idea. I will carry on trying to remember where I got that from!

Just found it! and here for tiny picture

Basically, a Frech man (from Brittany) who has lived 3 years in Vevey has started this action to let people know of his disapontment at the recent Swiss vote. 300 people joined him and built a lego mosque 70 cm high with 4 minarets. At the end of the day, the mosque was taken appart and the Legos were donated to the local Ludotheque (like a library where you can borrow toys).

All hope is not lost then!