Swiss voters back ban on minarets
“Swiss voters have supported a referendum proposal to ban the building of minarets, official results show.”
-BBC News
Can someone please explain to me how this ban actually passed? The results showed that 22 of 26 “provinces” favored this ban, consequently prohibiting the construction of new minarets in order to stop “Islamisation”. In a direct democracy, such as in Switzerland, why are voters fearing an influence of Islamic fundamentalism? Switzerland is a country of almost 8 million people, only 400,000 (5%) of which are Muslims. The rationalization of this ban, that it would discourage the growth of an Islamic ideology and legal system, just doesn’t make sense. It’s better for both parties to co-exist peacefully, than to have 400,000 (or more) Swiss residents protesting the government.
This is disappointing for me as both a Muslim and as a member of mankind. What is the world coming to when “advanced” countries withdraw fundamental freedoms such as the freedom to openly practice any religion one chooses?
