Switzerland: House of Representatives votes against minaret ban
The House of Representatives has come out against a proposal by rightwing political parties to ban minarets.
A majority also rejected calls by the centre-left to declare the people's initiative invalid. The other parliamentary chamber, the Senate, still has to discuss the issue.
The initiative, launched by the rightwing Swiss People's Party and a small ultra-conservative Christian party, was handed in with 113,540 valid votes last year. It will be put to a nationwide vote at a later date.
Muslim organisations have expressed their concern about the initiative, which has been rejected by the cabinet.
More than 50 parliamentarians took part in Wednesday's debate which lasted for nearly six-hours. In the end, the House voted 129 against 50 to rebuff the initiative.
An overwhelming majority said the proposal violated human rights and international law and jeopardised the peaceful coexistence of religions.
"The initiative takes aim at the Muslim community," warned Bea Heim of the centre-left Social Democratic Party. Other speakers described the plan as irresponsible, "an insult for Muslims", scaremongering or "a campaign to instigate hatred".
(more)
Source: SwissInfo (English)
See also:
* Switzerland: Canton rejects minaret ban
* Switzerland: The minaret ban vote
* Switzerland: Anti-minaret petition to go to national referendum
* Switzerland: Move for vote on minarets
The House of Representatives has come out against a proposal by rightwing political parties to ban minarets.
A majority also rejected calls by the centre-left to declare the people's initiative invalid. The other parliamentary chamber, the Senate, still has to discuss the issue.
The initiative, launched by the rightwing Swiss People's Party and a small ultra-conservative Christian party, was handed in with 113,540 valid votes last year. It will be put to a nationwide vote at a later date.
Muslim organisations have expressed their concern about the initiative, which has been rejected by the cabinet.
More than 50 parliamentarians took part in Wednesday's debate which lasted for nearly six-hours. In the end, the House voted 129 against 50 to rebuff the initiative.
An overwhelming majority said the proposal violated human rights and international law and jeopardised the peaceful coexistence of religions.
"The initiative takes aim at the Muslim community," warned Bea Heim of the centre-left Social Democratic Party. Other speakers described the plan as irresponsible, "an insult for Muslims", scaremongering or "a campaign to instigate hatred".
(more)
Source: SwissInfo (English)
See also:
* Switzerland: Canton rejects minaret ban
* Switzerland: The minaret ban vote
* Switzerland: Anti-minaret petition to go to national referendum
* Switzerland: Move for vote on minarets
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