PRESS RELEASE
November 30, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:    Radwan Masmoudi, 202-251-3036, [email protected]

CSID Condemns Attack on Freedom of Religion in Switzerland


Washington, DC - November 30, 2009 - The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy notes with great concern the recent referendum in Switzerland which according to a majority of the votes will ban the construction of mosque minarets in that country.  This development is part of a recent disturbing trend in significant parts of Europe to restrict the religious freedom and self-expression of religious and ethnic minorities, notably of Muslims, who are full citizens of these European countries which otherwise pride themselves on being democratic and tolerant.  We note that the Swiss government to its credit was against this proposal but could not prevail against the incendiary and intolerant rhetoric of the extremist Swiss People's Party (SVP).  It is equally noteworthy that the results of this referendum have been welcomed by leaders of other radical right-wing groups in Europe, such as Heinz-Christian Strache, leader of the radical-right Austrian Freedom Party, and Marine Le Pen, vice-president of France's National Front, which points to the possibility of religious and political extremism spreading further in Europe. 

Ban on Minarets in SwitzerlandAs an organization that has consistently taken a stand against the violation of fundamental human, political, and religious rights wherever they may occur, the Board of Directors of CSID takes this opportunity to express its apprehension and disappointment over this development which points to a dangerous attrition in the Swiss people's commitment to democratic values and augurs more generally a worsening of relations between Europe and Muslim-majority countries.

In conjunction with all people of faith, and all those who believe in freedom, equality, and democracy, we call upon the Swiss government and all Swiss political and religious leaders to continue to uphold and defend freedom of religion for all its citizens and residents.  A democracy is measured not only by its application of majority rule, but also and more importantly by the respect it accords to the rights of minorities.


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