In Switzerland, a ban on the construction of further minarets has been approved by 57.4 percent of voters in a national referendum.
The referendum was called by the Swiss People's Party (SVP). The SVP is the largest political party in the country, and one known for its anti-immigrant stance. Referendum supporters believe that the construction of more minarets - there are currently four - is a sign of the increasing ‘Islamisation’ of the country.
The Swiss government opposed the referendum. It feared that a 'yes' vote would cause unrest amongst the estimated 400,000 Muslims in Switzerland and endanger relations with Muslim countries.
The four minarets currently standing will be allowed to remain.
Poster calling on Swiss voters to ban minarets
Photo by rytc (flickr)
Photo by rytc (flickr)
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