Source: thelede.blogs.nytimes.com
USA, November 30, 2009: When Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a ban on construction of minarets in a referendum on Sunday, they surprised some pollsters and disappointed many European leaders, including those of their own government, who opposed the ban and now must find a way to implement it.
Europe found itself thrust into another round of soul-searching precipitated by yet another clash over integrating — or not integrating — a swelling Muslim population. In France, similar debates have focused not on architecture but on how some Muslim women dress. “I am a bit shocked by this decision,” French Exterior Minister Mr. Kouchner said; “It is an expression of intolerance.”
Muslim response in Europe has so far been measured, including a small protest in Bern, Switzerland, on Sunday night.
Right-wing politicians plan to propose similar bans in Denmark and the Netherlands.
Blogger David Kopel writes that Article 9 of the European convention will probably be the basis for legal challenges to the Swiss ban. As the second part of that article says:
“Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”