An independent United Nations expert on religious freedom today voiced regret at the Swiss vote to ban the construction of new minarets, stating that such a prohibition clearly discriminates against Muslims. “I have deep concerns at the negative consequences that the outcome of the vote will have on the freedom of religion or belief of…
In his 9 December speech on the Swiss minaret ban, Nicholas Sarkozy has turned the discourse in France to one of national identity and integration, according to this Le Monde editorial. In particular, Sarkozy redefined French secularism as “the principle of neutrality and not a principle of indifference” toward religious faiths, and called on Muslims…
A new poll published by Le Parisien claims that 54 percent of the French see Muslim religious practice as compatible with social life in France. 8 percent of respondents claimed that it was “rather not compatible” while 4 percent did not respond.
In the wake of the controversial decision in Switzerland to ban future minaret construction, this report examines the question in Belgium, noting that there are 328 mosques in the country, and approximately 20 minarets, which are mostly located in Flanders, in Limbourg in particular. Generally speaking, there has been little controversy with their presence.
The surprisingly clear vote in favour of banning minarets expresses unease with various causes. The implications too will no doubt be controversial. One thing is for sure: Switzerland’s politicians have underestimated immaterial concerns. More significant that the direct consequences of the vote are the indirect ones and the atmosphere it has caused. Switzerland is not…
