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You are here: Home >> Interview >> Interview with the President of the EMU Foundation on the Swiss ban on minarets
01.12.2009 Interview with the President of the EMU Foundation on the Swiss ban on minarets
"Law of exception"
(gm) The referendum in Switzerland on 29 November 2009 and its outcome have moved the public opinion and triggered an intense debate about rights to religious freedom. International organisations like the UN and the OSCE have immediately voiced their concern about the outcome of the referendum. We present an interview with the president of the EMU Foundation in which he expresses his thoughts on the outcome of the referendum.
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GM: Dear Mr. Rieger, what is the prohibition of minarets in Switzerland really about?
Rieger: The erection of minarets in the case of new building projects is as of today prohibited. In effect Switzerland has made a decision with respect to religious freedom by means of a national referendum. This is of course a scandal. The majority was simply asked how the minority should practice its religion. Switzerland has established de facto a European "law of exception" in its dealings with minorities. Switzerland has already been informed by the UN and OSCE of this legal breach.
GM: Who is behind this campaign?
Rieger: The rightist collective movement "SVP" [Swiss People’s Party] in Switzerland is involved. The leader of the SVP, Christoph Blocher, is a Swiss billionaire. Rightist groupings have been working a long time against Islam. The "minaret prohibition" has already been welcomed by other rightist parties of Europe. These parties are now trying to steer the people of Europe on an anti-Islamic course. Their historically false argument is that Islam is a foreign and dangerous religion of immigrants.
GM: Is this development dangerous for European Muslims?
Rieger: Yes, this is indeed the case. The conservative circles and parties of Europe are in a deep crisis of identity. They are attempting to increase their own profile by their opposition to Islam. In times of economic problems a new racism could arise very quickly here. The strategy is clear, namely that Islam be repeatedly associated with crime and wrongdoing.
What does this development mean for European immigrants?
Of course the old xenophobia is here combining with resentment against Islam. Many Turks and Arabs, above all women, are regarded disparagingly in public. However, opponents of Islam also consciously deny the fact that a new generation of Muslims have been born in Europe. The great majority of these Muslims are well integrated and speak European languages. These European Muslims are no long immigrants but of course Europeans citizens with equal rights. Whoever denies this is creating a new European racism.
GM: What can the Muslims do?
Rieger: As European Muslims we must hold together in solidarity. EMU has established a Europe-wide network to this end. We Muslims have long since become an important part of Europe. Islam is capable of adapting itself to different cultures and can make an important contribution to a European culture without borders. Spiritually speaking Islam has long since become a fascinating way of life for many Europeans. We know that despite all the propaganda most Europeans have great esteem and respect for Islam. The new "rights" will not be able to change this in any significant way.
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