Swiss vote to halt 'Islamisation' by ban on minarets
 

How does banning minarets do anything productive? With only 13 percent of 4.5 percent of the Swiss population even considering themselves observing Muslims - and with no sign of extremism within that tiny percentage - this ban only sows suspicion amongst the citizens, makes Switzerland's reputation take a hit, and salves the fearful, tiny egos of a group of bigots. It's a petty, symbolic "fuck you" and nothing more.

I recently had a fierce debate with an idiot who was preaching a bunch of trash about how he thought muslims must be stopped and how Islam is dedicated to the conversion,enslavement(either direct or through taxation), or extermination of all non muslims. Unfortunately he isnt the only one I've encountered who feels this way, it seems to be a rising movement, and frankly I'm rather scared about what might become of this.

Do you think Turkey should be allowed to join the EU?

Don't see what the big deal is.

I've been to Switzerland several times. The cities and towns have a very distinctive flavor. Geneva ain't Istanbul.

It would be a different thing if the ban had come at this saying, "We have a distinct architectural tradition, and minarets detract from it" - sort of like a HOA on nation-wide steroids; but, instead, the proponents of the ban made it very clear that they want to curb the opportunity for a certain, specific religion to thrive. It's no wonder, with motives like that, that this ban is causing anger and hurt.

Most definately agreed. Motives are what's causing this to be such a touchy subject. I think they should have gone about it a different way, or at least pretended to. Most laws passed have hidden agenda, but at least you can save some face and choose the LESSER of the fuckheaded reasons to justify banning certain religious symbols.

I'm not sure see any problem with this. Swiss people are not Muslims. Naturally they do not want their cities to fundamentally change during the next 25 years like Rotterdam, Bradford and Marseille did.

Did you see the actual statistics? I posted them before, but dont bother scrolling up. 4.5% of the population are Muslim. Of those, 13% are actually practicing Muslims. How that threatens the Swiss way of life is a mystery. Some people's paranoia can be fueled by the tiniest things, though, apparently.

Stuff like this and California's Prop 8 seriously challenge my faith in democracy.

Why? The democratic process is still there, it's just the voters that are causing the problem. Frankly it could be worse, if the voters didnt get their chance to vote on the subject they might end up taking action themselves, I'd rather keep them organized than give them reason to become a disorganized angry mob.

People using the democratic process to change things they don't like through a popular vote challenges your faith in democracy? What, it's not democracy unless people vote the way you think they should?

No, it's just not democracy being utilized in a way I agree with. No one said it's not democracy, just that it's depressing.

Agreed, the people who vote to ban gay mariage are some of the stupidest people I've ever met.