[WOMBAI]

Originally Posted by Wildcat!

NO, the government is against it. ANd urged the people to not ban the minaret, because it will cause religious extremism. But htey had no choice, because it was a petition that got 100, 000 signatures (which is really easy to have about any issue). Its just a stupid fear generated idea. Islamophobia pure and simple. Its like if the indians thought the Taj Mahal is a symbol of oppression. Its simply somthing that was brought on by their version of the BnP. But they put in the referendum, which of course passed, because most normal people wouldnt bother about such trivial things as a minaret, which is only used as decorative nowadays in most mosques.

If the minaret is only used as decorative nowadays in most mosques - why do Muslims have to make such an issue about having it! What about Muslims trying to meet other cultures half-way for a change - instead of wanting their demands met all the time. And how would a support of the ban in any way justify extremists to what - start bombing more people? Most normal people react to such issues by protests or taking the political or legal route - they don't start murdering people!

And by the way - 57.5% of the Swiss voters is hardly an 'abnormal' minority! Stop deliberately trying to trivialise how a great many people feel! Those concerns exist for good reasons! Maybe some of the things that the Muslim religion stands for - like its oppressive treatment of women and general disregard for human rights might have something to do with why so many are distrustful and hostile towards them. They need to take some responsibility! And please lets not be so boring and predictable as to play the 'race card' again! Just might make me vomit!