Der Bau von Minaretten ist verboten.

— Swiss Federal Constitution, Article 72, Paragraph 3

4.

— Total number of existing minarets in Switzerland.

“The construction of minarets is forbidden.”

Rarely has such a short sentence of legislation caused such a stir worldwide. But as small Switzerland is, as powerful is its economic; and in parallel, as short as this addition to the swiss constitution is, as explosive its consequences may be.

An overall of 57% of swiss voters supported this addition, causing reactions from utter disbelief and shock to suggestions to follow this example by right-wing parties all across Europe.

Switzerland has long been known for restrictive immigration policy, reservedness against refugees and generally a good bit of xenophobia among parts of its people. But this decision has caught most of Europe and even Switzerland by surprise. But why? Read More »