Swiss Politicians Want To Ban Building of Minarets

In Switzerland, right-wing Swiss National Party and Federal Democratic Union party members are gathering signatures to call for a national vote to ban the construction of minarets in the country. They say minarets are a symbol of power and threaten law and order. (Minarets are towers attached to mosques from which the Islamic call for prayer traditionally is broadcast.) Swiss President and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey says the proposal threatens religious liberty that is guaranteed in the country and would endanger Swiss security. Today's Australia Daily Telegraph reports on the move.