Swiss Vote To Ban Minarets
Well, this is a bit of a surprise:
A right-wing campaign to outlaw minarets on mosques in a referendum being held in Switzerland today has received an unlikely boost from radical feminists arguing that the tower-like structures are “male power symbols” and reminders of Islam’s oppression of women.
A “stop the minarets” campaign has provoked ferment in the land of Heidi, where women are more likely than men to vote for the ban after warnings from prominent feminists that Islam threatens their rights.
Forget about tranquil Alpine scenery and cowbells: one of the most startling features of the referendum campaign has been a poster showing a menacing woman in a burqa beside minarets rising from the Swiss flag.
It seems to have struck a nerve in Langenthal, a small town near Bern where Muslims plan to put up a minaret next to their prayer room in a bleak former paint factory.
“If we give them a minaret, they’ll have us all wearing burqas,” said Julia Werner, a local housewife. “Before you know it, we’ll have sharia law and women being stoned to death in our streets. We won’t be Swiss any more.”
The measure was approved by voters rather convincingly, much to…France’s chagrin
France’s foreign minister has condemned Switzerland’s referendum vote to ban the building of minarets.
Bernard Kouchner said he was shocked by the decision which, he said, showed “intolerance” and should be reversed.
More than 57.5% of voters and 22 out of 26 cantons – or provinces – voted in favour of the ban on Sunday.
The proposal had been put forward by the Swiss People’s Party, (SVP), the largest party in parliament, which says minarets are a sign of Islamisation.
I’m sure that you’re allowed to build Cathedrals or Synagogues in Saudi Arabia, right?
Actually, what’s most interesting is how the feminists in Switzerland supported this. I’m not sure what has finally opened their eyes to the oppression of women in the islamic world but I’m glad they’re finally starting to see it.
Morality, Nanny State, People, Politics, World Stuff | Mr. Bingley | 
November 30, 2009 6:28 am
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Odd how ze Francais think banning minarets is so abominable, while attempting to do the same to burquas…
And a big “Gruezi” to all from the land of Zwingli and Calvin…
A minaret does not a mosque make.
Pointless, in other words.
Wow, this calls for a re-imagining of “Heidi” along the lines of “Dark Knight.” Crusading Heidi kicks butt and saves western civilization from the forces of the sixth century. Go Heidi!
Just think of what they’d do to the Washington Monument, those Swiss women. Cut off the top half? Put a glass ceiling underneath? Show Selma and Louise on it?
A minaret does not a mosque make.
Yes, it does, in the strict sense that fundamental Islamists will see it. The call to prayer is an important aspect of Islam. Traditionally, that’s done from the minaret for maximum exposure. They use loudspeakers now, but a well trained person can be heard for quite a distance up that high. Not so coincidentally, the minarets are built above other buildings, even today. Drive through any Muslim country, and you will know where the mosque is.
The point being, minarets are identified with mosques. The conservative element of Islam will not appreciate being restricted in this fashion.
Given how restrictive many Islamic nations are about other religions, I am not at all concerned with their lack of appreciation.
Well damn! I may have to move to Switzerland! Good for the Swiss feminists.
As for the French reaction… BWAHAHAHAHAHA… I’m sure the Swiss will now have an emergency meeting to see about reversing this decision since the French are so set against it.
As much as I like seeing the jihadi wackos getting a thumb jammed in their eyes I have to wonder what this move by the Swiss will actually accomplish?
(Besides act even more like the savages they are.)
I’m no fan of Islam but I see this ban as an unwarranted violation of religious freedom. Anyway, unless the Swiss start packing their own currently empty churches with worshippers and building new ones, the ban on minarets is a waste of time.
Pretty much going to echo what JeffS said.
With the addition that I’m glad some are beginning to ‘get it’ – whether or not they are officially on our side.