The Swiss vote to ban the building of Minarets
The right-wing Swiss People's Party claims: "the minaret is not necessary for worship, but is rather a symbol of Islamic law, and as such incompatible with Switzerland's legal system. "
Following the referendum vote on Sunday 29th November 2009, the Swiss Federal Council noted:
"The Federal Council respects this decision. Consequently the construction of new minarets in Switzerland is no longer permitted. The four existing minarets will remain. It will also be possible to continue to construct mosques... Muslims in Switzerland are able to practice their religion alone or in community with others, and live according to their beliefs just as before."