Minarets, much like steeples, are considered religious architecture. As steeples are placed upon Christian Churches, minarets are place on Islamic Mosques. In Switzerland, the building of minarets has been banned while steeples are still accepted. The Swiss People Party proposed the concept to parliament and it was passed with 57% majority. Part of the drive to ban minarets has been admitted to be a way to discourage immigration from the Islamic world. Currently there are only 4 minarets in Switzerland. The government has warned the public that this move would cause tension with the Islamic and Muslim population. The campaign has also caused tension as mosques have been attacked in Switzerland. This campaign also shows a lack of understanding of the Muslim community and a noticeable bias against them. Amnesty International as well as the Swiss Muslim Community has disagreed with this decision, as it will surely cause more of a riff in society. This decision will also go against the Swiss commitment to free speech as this architecture not only serves a symbolic function but is also the central point from which some Muslims pray. If a decision like this has been made, it would be, in my opinion, reasonable to ban steeples as well. These also stand as large religious representational structures from which religious traditions are practiced as well as causing public disturbance from the bell towers often present within. Religious bans should be created equal. Cultural bias should not be a means for legal action especially when the minarets pose absolutely no threat of harm to the Swiss society. The fact that this bill has even been passed should show weakness in the Democratic process in Switzerland.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8385069.stm
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