UN Slams Swiss Minaret Ban As "Anti-Foreigner Scare-Mongering"

[onehandle]

GENEVA — The United Nations called Switzerland's ban on new minarets "clearly discriminatory" and deeply divisive, and the Swiss foreign minister acknowledged Tuesday the government was very concerned about how the vote would affect the country's image.

U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay said Sunday's referendum to outlaw the construction of minarets in Switzerland was the product of "anti-foreigner scare-mongering."

The criticism from Pillay, whose office is based in the Swiss city of Geneva, comes after an outcry from Muslim countries, Switzerland's European neighbors and human rights watchdogs since 57.5 percent of the Swiss population ratified the ban.

The Swiss government opposed the initiative but has sought to defend it as an action not against Islam or Muslims, but one aimed at improving integration and fighting extremism.

"These are extraordinary claims when the symbol of one religion is targeted," Pillay said in a statement. She said she was saddened to see xenophobic arguments gain such traction with Swiss voters despite their "long-standing support of fundamental human rights."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/01/un-slams-swiss-minaret-ba_n_374996.html

Human rights in other countries. The Swiss are well known isolationists.

[snagglepuss]

1. There are thousands of communities in the US that ban certain house

styles because communities want to retain historical character. The ban on minarets is being overblown. There is no ban on mosques.

[onehandle]

2. As others, like myself, who have been to Switzerland have pointed out...

Switzerland has a mishmosh of the architectural styles of several surrounding countries. Plus the addition of stark modern buildings that don't go with anything.

This is not about 'historical character.'

[snagglepuss]

3. Its an aesthetic decision and its their right to make it. If mosques were banned

that would be different but this is not a rights issue.

[Igel]

4. "The" symbol?

Islam reified has but one symbol?

Who knew?

It's rather like saying church steeples are "the" symbol of Christianity. Not all churches have steeples; I'm aware of no sect that requires steeples.

Perhaps the Swiss should have just said that no part of a non-Xian church/temple/etc. should rise higher than the spires of the nationally preferred religion. Then there'd be nothing exceptional about the ordinance.