Switzerland bans mosque towers - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Matej · 11-29-2009, 07:09 PM

Swiss ban mosque minarets in surprise vote - Yahoo! News

Quote:

GENEVA – Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on minarets on Sunday, barring construction of the iconic mosque towers in a surprise vote that put Switzerland at the forefront of a European backlash against a growing Muslim population.

Muslim groups in Switzerland and abroad condemned the vote as biased and anti-Islamic. Business groups said the decision hurt Switzerland's international standing and could damage relations with Muslim nations and wealthy investors who bank, travel and shop there.

"The Swiss have failed to give a clear signal for diversity, freedom of religion and human rights," said Omar Al-Rawi, integration representative of the Islamic Denomination in Austria, which said its reaction was "grief and deep disappointment."

About 300 people turned out for a spontaneous demonstration on the square outside parliament, holding up signs saying, "That is not my Switzerland," placing candles in front of a model of a minaret and making another minaret shape out of the candles themselves.

"We're sorry," said another sign. A young woman pinned to her jacket a piece of paper saying, "Swiss passport for sale."

The referendum by the nationalist Swiss People's Party labeled minarets as symbols of rising Muslim political power that could one day transform Switzerland into an Islamic nation. The initiative was approved 57.5 to 42.5 percent by some 2.67 million voters. Only four of the 26 cantons or states opposed the initiative, granting the double approval that makes it part of the Swiss constitution.

Muslims comprise about 6 percent of Switzerland's 7.5 million people. Many are refugees from the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s and about one in 10 actively practices their religion, the government says.

The country's four standing minarets, which won't be affected by the ban, do not traditionally broadcast the call to prayer outside their own buildings.

The sponsors of the initiative provoked complaints of bias from local officials and human-rights group with campaign posters that showed minarets rising like missiles from the Swiss flag next to a fully veiled woman. Backers said the growing Muslim population was straining the country "because Muslims don't just practice religion."

"The minaret is a sign of political power and demand, comparable with whole-body covering by the burqa, tolerance of forced marriage and genital mutilation of girls," the sponsors said. They said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan compared mosques to Islam's military barracks and called "the minarets our bayonets." Erdogan made the comment in citing an Islamic poem many years before he became prime minister.

Anxieties about growing Muslim minorities have rippled across Europe in recent years, leading to legal changes in some countries. There have been French moves to ban the full-length body covering known as the burqa. Some German states have introduced bans on head scarves for Muslim women teaching in public schools. Mosques and minaret construction projects in Sweden, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Germany and Slovenia have been met by protests.

But the Swiss ban in minarets, sponsored by the country's largest political party, was one of the most extreme reactions.

"It's a sad day for freedom of religion," said Mohammed Shafiq, the chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, a British youth organization. "A constitutional amendment that's targeted towards one religious community is discriminatory and abhorrent."

He said he was concerned the decision could have reverberations in other European countries.

Amnesty International said the vote violated freedom of religion and would probably be overturned by the Swiss supreme court or the European Court of Human Rights.

The seven-member Cabinet that heads the Swiss government had spoken out strongly against the initiative but the government said it accepted the vote and would impose an immediate ban on minaret construction.

It said that "Muslims in Switzerland are able to practice their religion alone or in community with others, and live according to their beliefs just as before." It took the unusual step of issuing its press release in Arabic as well as German, French, Italian and English.

Sunday's results stood in stark contrast to opinion polls, last taken 10 days ago, that showed 37 percent supporting the proposal. Experts said before the vote that they feared Swiss had pretended during the polling that they opposed the ban because they didn't want to appear intolerant.
"The sponsors of the ban have achieved something everyone wanted to prevent, and that is to influence and change the relations to Muslims and their social integration in a negative way," said Taner Hatipoglu, president of the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Zurich. "Muslims indeed will not feel safe anymore."

The People's Party has campaigned mainly unsuccessfully in previous years against immigrants with campaign posters showing white sheep kicking a black sheep off the Swiss flag and another with brown hands grabbing eagerly for Swiss passports.

Geneva's main mosque was vandalized Thursday when someone threw a pot of pink paint at the entrance. Earlier this month, a vehicle with a loudspeaker drove through the area imitating a muezzin's call to prayer, and vandals damaged a mosaic when they threw cobblestones at the building.

Of course this article makes Switzerland look inhumane, but I am so sick of people flocking to other countries and expecting everyone to bend over backwards for them. Why move to a country you don't like?
I wish the US would start taking drastic measures like this.

murda-c · 11-29-2009, 07:13 PM

Ban steeples too, lol.

theicecreamdan · 11-29-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matej

I wish the US would start taking drastic measures like this.

What? That is one of the most anti-american statements I have ever read.

Nobody has to "bend over backwards" for muslims to have a minaret on their mosques. Putting laws into place specifically to hold a group from gaining power are exactly what the United States was NOT founded for.

Matej · 11-29-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theicecreamdan

Nobody has to "bend over backwards" for muslims to have a minaret on their mosques. Putting laws into place specifically to hold a group from gaining power are exactly what the United States was NOT founded for.

What about all the illegal immigrant protection lawsuits and controversies?
Plus the main cause of the huge influx of immigrants coming to Europe in the past decade is because the US started a war in the Middle East. Now countries are starting to have serious trouble with all the immigrants, with riots, overcrowding, crime rates going up, and all kinds of unpleasantries, and as they have begun to turn people away and being strict, they are called inhumane by the US.
People should be thankful that a country even lets them in. Not complain and demand special treatment.

I am all for people moving wherever they want, in fact I encourage it, but in my opinion it should be common courtesy to tolerate that country's laws and customs and not cause any disturbances. I'm European, but I didn't go rioting and burning down historic buildings in America when I turned 18 just because I couldn't yet drink legally here.

SexPanda · 11-29-2009, 11:07 PM

Hmmm... I don't see this working out very well. The Swiss are the world's feel good people, everyone's welcome. At the same time, I can understand their fears of a cultural takeover...

Touchy subject.

deolio · 11-29-2009, 11:22 PM

wtf. i think that's just fucked up.

Taniguchi_Is_#1 · 11-29-2009, 11:24 PM

intolerance breeds distrust. distrust breeds hate. hate breeds war. i stand by my prediction of full scale world war within 5 years.

ericcastro · 11-29-2009, 11:27 PM

Totally fucked up!!!
Bias against a religion??

i hope they don't start the crusades again???
Or maybe they should join hitler and kill all the Jews next.

On a positive, they do consider Scientology a cult and not a Religion

ryguy · 11-29-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matej

People should be thankful that a country even lets them in. Not complain and demand special treatment.

I am all for people moving wherever they want, in fact I encourage it, but in my opinion it should be common courtesy to tolerate that country's laws and customs and not cause any disturbances. I'm European, but I didn't go rioting and burning down historic buildings in America when I turned 18 just because I couldn't yet drink legally here.

Good for the Swiss. I'm honestly surprised they actually passed it. It's about time somebody in Europe started to stand up for their heritage. I don't understand why somebody would move somewhere they refused to assimilate to.

cc4usmc · 11-29-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theicecreamdan

Putting laws into place specifically to hold a group from gaining power are exactly what the United States was NOT founded for.

You're exactly right. It was created so that anyone of any religion, origin, race, heritage etc etc can come and clash with all the others in this giant mixing pot of pooh.

ryguy · 11-30-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc4usmc

You're exactly right. It was created so that anyone of any religion, origin, race, heritage etc etc can come and clash with all the others in this giant mixing pot of pooh.

The United States actually has quotas of how many people can come in each year from any given country. We forget about this because of the illegal Mexicans pouring over the border.

ericcastro · 11-30-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryguy

The United States actually has quotas of how many people can come in each year from any given country. We forget about this because of the illegal Mexicans pouring over the border.

lmao!!

come to California.
Its not just "Mexicans"
Every race, including "white" people live here illegally too.
Tons of people stay after their work or student Visa's expire.

And the article is about religion, not race.

thats why we rule, freedom of religion

.....and chili cheese fries

cc4usmc · 11-30-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryguy

The United States actually has quotas of how many people can come in each year from any given country. We forget about this because of the illegal Mexicans pouring over the border.

And?

I wonder how long till they someone decides to blow some people up. In Switz.. not here.

Matej · 11-30-2009, 01:57 AM

Alright, this is a touchy subject, I understand.
Here's how it goes in the places where it's getting really bad.

A person who happens to be from the Middle East gets mugged or killed or beat up or raped or whatever. So the entire community automatically calls it a hate crime and bands of men go out and beat up or even kill every white person they run into.
Obviously, there are the idiots on the other side, such as the skinheads who have a large following in Europe, and they won't have this happen. So in turn they go out and beat up or even kill people from the Middle East. Now you can see how it is all tangled up, and they have pretty much brought the Middle East to Europe, instead of leaving it behind.
So now a bunch of violent groups are sprouting up among the Muslim community, which are pretty much the equivalent of the skinheads, except they're against everyone non-Muslim. On top of that, the Muslim community constantly blames the governments for being too lenient or not doing anything to prevent hate crimes or discriminating against them, so they go out and riot and burn thousand-year old historic buildings and ruining beautiful cities. In the most extreme cases, there are subway bombings and such.
Of course most people just want to live in peace and not get involved and they move away, so now there are ghettos sprouting up and crime going up in historic cities, which really saddens me.

I wish everyone would just live happily together and get along, but it seems that the Muslim community in Europe uses every little incident as an excuse to go out and riot and destroy things and beat people up. Of course there also the people on the other side who do not want them moving in, and only contribute to the unrest. That is why I can totally understand why the Swiss have passed this, because they see what is happening in many places and they just want to preserve their country and be left alone and not have to deal with any more immigrants wanting to move there, and the problems that come with them. Of course people will call this intolerant, but you can't deny the blatantly obvious rise in violence and crime that has been brought to Europe.
And at the rate the population is shifting in the US, I could see a cultural 'take-over' happening here in the future.

ronmcdon · 11-30-2009, 02:12 AM

phallic structures in question

personally I don't see the big deal as to why the Swiss feel the need to put a ban on this.
The Muslim population in Switzerland is only around 6%, I read somewhere.
Building towers isn't in any way threatening in any remote manner.

It's likely this is a symbolic gesture to tell the Muslims their growing influence isn't welcome.
The Swiss have Protestant Christianity as their main religion iirc.
Religious freedom is there to some extent although the state only recognizes Judaism & Christianity.
Doubt it's as religiously tolerant as the US.

I will agree that everyone should respect the customs of the nation they choose to live and/or visit.
Again, The Swiss have their laws pertaining to religion, and it's not as tolerant as the US.

Matej · 11-30-2009, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronmcdon

it's likely this is a symbolic gesture to tell the Muslims their growing influence isn't welcome.
The Swiss have Protestant Christianity as their main religion iirc.

Exactly. If I recall correctly, all European countries actually a have defined 'state religion' and a majority if not all would be classified as Christian countries. Although most people are atheist or agnostic, it's mostly a thing of tradition and heritage. So in my opinion any dedicated follower of a different faith/culture who wants to live there should be willing to accept that and either assimilate or at least tolerate it, and not expect to be welcomed with open arms, or to have things change for them.
I know that sounds harsh. Sorry to anyone whom I have offended.

TheWolf · 11-30-2009, 05:21 AM

to anyone in this thread that starts talking about how racially balanced europe is... has never been to europe... You can tromp around rome all day and see 2-3 asians.. 250 africans openly being human trafficked. 20 russian hookers being trafficked. The rest is white italians. Paris was a little more diverse but still like 8-9 out of 10 people where white french. South germany. Didn't see any blacks/latino's/or asians. So if some minority wants to come in and build GIANT towers changing the skyline to something middle eastern. Then yes they will vote on it. I'm surprised they banned it but good for them. You can worship alah without having to build a giant ladder to the stars. In america we have building codes against this so it cuts down on the issue. You can have your religious freedom as long as it stays under 40' tall comercial building code.

S13shaka · 11-30-2009, 07:38 AM

damn the swiss are so lucky to have nationalism

ericcastro · 11-30-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWolf

to anyone in this thread that starts talking about how racially balanced europe is... has never been to europe... You can tromp around rome all day and see 2-3 asians.. 250 africans openly being human trafficked. 20 russian hookers being trafficked. The rest is white italians. Paris was a little more diverse but still like 8-9 out of 10 people where white french. South germany. Didn't see any blacks/latino's/or asians. So if some minority wants to come in and build GIANT towers changing the skyline to something middle eastern. Then yes they will vote on it. I'm surprised they banned it but good for them. You can worship alah without having to build a giant ladder to the stars. In america we have building codes against this so it cuts down on the issue. You can have your religious freedom as long as it stays under 40' tall comercial building code.

and you can worship Christian and Catholic Gods without crosses showing on the building, but we are allowed that.

I think the whole point of the article being posted wasn't if it was "right" in this day and age, but that it even is still happening!!!
So the fact that its actually being discussed as being "OK" and "acceptable" is a little scary.

Whats next? Witch trials?
And as far as Muslim people as a race in Europe.........
If you remember not to long ago, people of color and different religions didnt have it to good here.
But our government finally backed the diversity.
And if you think about it, we have done AMAZING for just 60 some years of "equality".
Point is, swiss is doing the opposite.

HalveBlue · 11-30-2009, 10:07 AM

Yeah, immigration is a big an issue in Europe as it is in the US.

FWIW, I think this is a dick move on Switzerland's part. All it does is make the integration of foreigners even harder.

Fact is, there is a deep streak of xenophobia running through most of "liberal" Europe.

I don't see how this situation solves anything.

It's not like the Swiss (like most Europeans) are particularly religious; and it's not as if the 6% of Muslims living in Switzerland are about to destroy Swiss culture or society; and I doubt that there was a rash of Mosque building swallowing up all the prime real estate in Swizterland.

So, WTF?

*kingkilburn* · 11-30-2009, 10:20 AM

I see no problem with a country that has been around for more than a thousand years protecting its heritage and culture.

In my experience it's not the religion people don't like, it's the preislamic Arab culture. All that burqa and female genital mutilation bull shit.

ronmcdon · 11-30-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalveBlue

Yeah, immigration is a big an issue in Europe as it is in the US.

FWIW, I think this is a dick move on Switzerland's part. All it does is make the integration of foreigners even harder.

Fact is, there is a deep streak of xenophobia running through most of "liberal" Europe.

I don't see how this situation solves anything.

It's not like the Swiss (like most Europeans) are particularly religious; and it's not as if the 6% of Muslims living in Switzerland are about to destroy Swiss culture or society; and I doubt that there was a rash of Mosque building swallowing up all the prime real estate in Switzerland.

So, WTF?

I'm guessing that they want to restrict the potential for growth of Muslim communities.
6% is not a lot, but you also have to factor in long term growth.
6% now, could be 10% in 10 yrs time and so forth.

I see what they did there as discouraging them those not wanting assimilation to go away.
It's not about discrimination of race, so much as it is about discrimination of religion.
The Swiss have so many neighbors that are probably more tolerant.

For better or worse, it's still somewhat of a democracy in Switzerland.
Voters there have their opinions regardless of whether or not we find it questionable.
There obviously is some degree of hostility towards the Islamic culture in Switzerland these days.
Not that I condone it, but it's apparent.

TheWolf · 11-30-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericcastro

and you can worship Christian and Catholic Gods without crosses showing on the building, but we are allowed that.

Think building codes...

we're not building giant crosses on top of buildings that stand up another 60-70ft above the building... that we put speakers in and chant a foreign dialect from.. so yeah.. cathlocs win again.. people enjoy church bells... not durka durka

ryguy · 11-30-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericcastro

lmao!!

come to California.
Its not just "Mexicans"
Every race, including "white" people live here illegally too.
Tons of people stay after their work or student Visa's expire.

Not saying there arent offenders from all races, it just seems that enforcement went out the window when immigration got out of control. I'm just saying that the United States has laws like this too. These laws really used to be enforced when it was the Irish pouring in, and acted to stop the influx of Irish. It's a hell of a lot easier to enforce when the immigrants are coming in on boats.

I think people in Europe are really getting alarmed at the birthrate differences between Muslims and non-Muslims. It's like a 4 to 1 Muslim to non-Muslim birth ratio. With all the tension going on lately, I'm sure this will start an anti-Muslim backlash throughout Europe. The fact that these Muslims are growing up in European ghettos I'm sure isnt going to help their world views become favorable during their upbringing.

Touge Noob S13 · 11-30-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWolf

to anyone in this thread that starts talking about how racially balanced europe is... has never been to europe... You can tromp around rome all day and see 2-3 asians.. 250 africans openly being human trafficked. 20 russian hookers being trafficked. The rest is white italians. Paris was a little more diverse but still like 8-9 out of 10 people where white french. South germany. Didn't see any blacks/latino's/or asians. So if some minority wants to come in and build GIANT towers changing the skyline to something middle eastern. Then yes they will vote on it. I'm surprised they banned it but good for them. You can worship alah without having to build a giant ladder to the stars. In america we have building codes against this so it cuts down on the issue. You can have your religious freedom as long as it stays under 40' tall comercial building code.

Latinos in Europe? What are they Spanish and Italian?

ericcastro · 11-30-2009, 08:05 PM

this thread is picking up funny

theicecreamdan · 11-30-2009, 09:11 PM

People embarrass me.

My original statement was that supporting a constitutional ban on [something religious] is the most incredibly anti-american thing you could say. If something that drastic was added to our constitution I don't know what would happen, but revolution would be justified.

Yes we have building codes, and for the most part I think they are in the community's best interest. Religion has very little, if anything, to do with our building codes though. The big problem I have with this is that they are putting laws in place specifically to put down the growth of somebody's religion. The law doesn't ban 60-70ft extensions from places of worship, it bans a very specific structure.

If the Swiss are really all about protecting culture and heritage, then what is this McDonald's to move European HQ to Geneva | Business | guardian.co.uk sounds like an awesome example of swiss culture to me.

Culture and heritage have their places, I'm all for protecting the image of historical districts. But there is also room to look forward and allow simple freedoms.

*kingkilburn* · 11-30-2009, 09:14 PM

The Swiss are also all about the MONEY. lol

theicecreamdan · 11-30-2009, 09:34 PM

Not to mention, from the home of the Geneva conventions.

International Humanitarian Law - Fourth 1949 Geneva Convention

Protected persons are entitled, in all circumstances, to respect for their persons, their honour, their family rights, their religious convictions and practices, and their manners and customs. They shall at all times be humanely treated, and shall be protected especially against all acts of violence or threats thereof and against insults and public curiosity.
Women shall be especially protected against any attack on their honour, in particular against rape, enforced prostitution, or any form of indecent assault.
Without prejudice to the provisions relating to their state of health, age and sex, all protected persons shall be treated with the same consideration by the Party to the conflict in whose power they are, without any adverse distinction based, in particular, on race, religion or political opinion.
However, the Parties to the conflict may take such measures of control and security in regard to protected persons as may be necessary as a result of the war.

What about THAT heritage?

*kingkilburn* · 11-30-2009, 10:16 PM

What if YOUR way of life and heritage are under attack by people you didn't invite into your home?

11-29-2009, 07:13 PM	#2
murda-c Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montgomery County, MD Age: 33 Posts: 3,197 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Ban steeples too, lol. __________________

11-29-2009, 11:07 PM	#5
SexPanda Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Where ever there is free beer Posts: 3,239 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hmmm... I don't see this working out very well. The Swiss are the world's feel good people, everyone's welcome. At the same time, I can understand their fears of a cultural takeover... Touchy subject. __________________ BRAND NEW GReddy PRofec E-01 EBC for sale, Cheap!

11-29-2009, 11:22 PM	#6
deolio Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Age: 32 Posts: 4,572 Trader Rating: (13) Rides Gallery: deolio Feedback Score: 13 reviews	wtf. i think that's just fucked up. __________________

11-30-2009, 05:21 AM	#17
TheWolf Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orange Park, FL (Jax) Posts: 1,468 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	to anyone in this thread that starts talking about how racially balanced europe is... has never been to europe... You can tromp around rome all day and see 2-3 asians.. 250 africans openly being human trafficked. 20 russian hookers being trafficked. The rest is white italians. Paris was a little more diverse but still like 8-9 out of 10 people where white french. South germany. Didn't see any blacks/latino's/or asians. So if some minority wants to come in and build GIANT towers changing the skyline to something middle eastern. Then yes they will vote on it. I'm surprised they banned it but good for them. You can worship alah without having to build a giant ladder to the stars. In america we have building codes against this so it cuts down on the issue. You can have your religious freedom as long as it stays under 40' tall comercial building code. __________________ Eye on the Prize

11-30-2009, 10:20 AM	#21
kingkilburn Philosopher King Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: FresYes Posts: 3,041 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I see no problem with a country that has been around for more than a thousand years protecting its heritage and culture. In my experience it's not the religion people don't like, it's the preislamic Arab culture. All that burqa and female genital mutilation bull shit. __________________ G O L D E N B E A R R E P U B L I C

11-29-2009, 11:24 PM	#7
Taniguchi_Is_#1 Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Arkansas Prefecture Posts: 3,141 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	intolerance breeds distrust. distrust breeds hate. hate breeds war. i stand by my prediction of full scale world war within 5 years.

11-30-2009, 01:57 AM	#14
Matej Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N/A Posts: 9,423 Trader Rating: (39) Feedback Score: 39 reviews	Alright, this is a touchy subject, I understand. Here's how it goes in the places where it's getting really bad. A person who happens to be from the Middle East gets mugged or killed or beat up or raped or whatever. So the entire community automatically calls it a hate crime and bands of men go out and beat up or even kill every white person they run into. Obviously, there are the idiots on the other side, such as the skinheads who have a large following in Europe, and they won't have this happen. So in turn they go out and beat up or even kill people from the Middle East. Now you can see how it is all tangled up, and they have pretty much brought the Middle East to Europe, instead of leaving it behind. So now a bunch of violent groups are sprouting up among the Muslim community, which are pretty much the equivalent of the skinheads, except they're against everyone non-Muslim. On top of that, the Muslim community constantly blames the governments for being too lenient or not doing anything to prevent hate crimes or discriminating against them, so they go out and riot and burn thousand-year old historic buildings and ruining beautiful cities. In the most extreme cases, there are subway bombings and such. Of course most people just want to live in peace and not get involved and they move away, so now there are ghettos sprouting up and crime going up in historic cities, which really saddens me. I wish everyone would just live happily together and get along, but it seems that the Muslim community in Europe uses every little incident as an excuse to go out and riot and destroy things and beat people up. Of course there also the people on the other side who do not want them moving in, and only contribute to the unrest. That is why I can totally understand why the Swiss have passed this, because they see what is happening in many places and they just want to preserve their country and be left alone and not have to deal with any more immigrants wanting to move there, and the problems that come with them. Of course people will call this intolerant, but you can't deny the blatantly obvious rise in violence and crime that has been brought to Europe. And at the rate the population is shifting in the US, I could see a cultural 'take-over' happening here in the future.

11-30-2009, 02:12 AM	#15
ronmcdon Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: beverly hills Age: 86 Posts: 4,254 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	phallic structures in question personally I don't see the big deal as to why the Swiss feel the need to put a ban on this. The Muslim population in Switzerland is only around 6%, I read somewhere. Building towers isn't in any way threatening in any remote manner. It's likely this is a symbolic gesture to tell the Muslims their growing influence isn't welcome. The Swiss have Protestant Christianity as their main religion iirc. Religious freedom is there to some extent although the state only recognizes Judaism & Christianity. Doubt it's as religiously tolerant as the US. I will agree that everyone should respect the customs of the nation they choose to live and/or visit. Again, The Swiss have their laws pertaining to religion, and it's not as tolerant as the US.

11-30-2009, 07:38 AM	#18
S13shaka Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: GA Posts: 171 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	damn the swiss are so lucky to have nationalism

11-30-2009, 10:07 AM	#20
HalveBlue Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: I'm somewhere where I don't know where I am! Posts: 1,549 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yeah, immigration is a big an issue in Europe as it is in the US. FWIW, I think this is a dick move on Switzerland's part. All it does is make the integration of foreigners even harder. Fact is, there is a deep streak of xenophobia running through most of "liberal" Europe. I don't see how this situation solves anything. It's not like the Swiss (like most Europeans) are particularly religious; and it's not as if the 6% of Muslims living in Switzerland are about to destroy Swiss culture or society; and I doubt that there was a rash of Mosque building swallowing up all the prime real estate in Swizterland. So, WTF?

11-30-2009, 09:14 PM	#28
kingkilburn Philosopher King Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: FresYes Posts: 3,041 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The Swiss are also all about the MONEY. lol __________________ G O L D E N B E A R R E P U B L I C

11-30-2009, 10:16 PM	#30
kingkilburn Philosopher King Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: FresYes Posts: 3,041 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What if YOUR way of life and heritage are under attack by people you didn't invite into your home? __________________ G O L D E N B E A R R E P U B L I C

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode