Swiss Referendum on Banning Minaret Construction Will Be Held

The AP reported yesterday that in Switzerland, members of two right-wing parties have obtained enough signatures to force a nationwide referendum on banning construction of minarets. Members of the Swiss People's Party and the Federal Democratic Union say the minaret is a symbol of an Islamic political and religious claim to power. The Interior Ministry says it received a petition with 100,000 signatures supporting the proposal. Currently there are only two minarets in Switzerland, and neither is used for calls to prayer. Opponents say the construction ban would violate the religious freedom of Switzerland's 310,000 Muslims. The Swiss government will recommend that voters reject the proposed ban, fearing its impact on the country's international image and the potential reaction of Muslims if the ban is enacted.