This is not a matter of hate or bais.
The Swiss are simply saying 'enough' Islamic structures already exist in the country considering the populous that practice the faith. No religion should ever overpower a government's right to freedom of expression or cultural standards.
Iran condemns Swiss minaret ban as "Islamophobic act" (click title to entry - thank you)
www.chinaview.cn
2009-12-02 01:37:49
TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tuesday condemned a Swiss referendum banning the construction of minarets in the country, local English language satellite Press TV reported.
Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast described the Swiss minaret ban as an "Islamophobic act" and a blow to the religious freedom declared in the West, the report said.
"We consider such acts as inappropriate, a move that is against the Western claims of democracy and religious freedom," he told reporters, adding that "surprisingly some of the actions of the West have Islamophobic roots."
The majority of Swiss voters on Sunday said yes to a ban on the construction of Muslim minarets. The Swiss government said in a statement that it respected the decision made by Swiss voters, and "consequently the construction of new minarets in Switzerland is no longer permitted."
Minarets are distinctive architectural features of Islamic mosques. As well as providing a visual cue to a Muslim community, the main function of the minaret is to provide a vantage point from which the call to prayer is made.
Also on Tuesday, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that the Swiss minaret ban is contrary to fundamental rights and freedoms.
"This is a shame for the Swiss," Gul was quoted by the semi-official Anatolia news agency as saying at the Esenboga airport in Ankara prior to his departure for an official visit to Jordan.
TEHRAN, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tuesday condemned a Swiss referendum banning the construction of minarets in the country, local English language satellite Press TV reported.
Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast described the Swiss minaret ban as an "Islamophobic act" and a blow to the religious freedom declared in the West, the report said.
"We consider such acts as inappropriate, a move that is against the Western claims of democracy and religious freedom," he told reporters, adding that "surprisingly some of the actions of the West have Islamophobic roots."
The majority of Swiss voters on Sunday said yes to a ban on the construction of Muslim minarets. The Swiss government said in a statement that it respected the decision made by Swiss voters, and "consequently the construction of new minarets in Switzerland is no longer permitted."
Minarets are distinctive architectural features of Islamic mosques. As well as providing a visual cue to a Muslim community, the main function of the minaret is to provide a vantage point from which the call to prayer is made.
Also on Tuesday, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that the Swiss minaret ban is contrary to fundamental rights and freedoms.
"This is a shame for the Swiss," Gul was quoted by the semi-official Anatolia news agency as saying at the Esenboga airport in Ankara prior to his departure for an official visit to Jordan.
