It has come off the back of the electoral growth of the far-right in Switzerland.
If this had been a similar ban on synagogues or church spires, it would have been met with revulsion.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has its headquarters in Switzerland.
How can it represent all the world’s sporting nations after this insult to the quarter of the world’s population who are Muslim?
Sports people around the world should be demanding that the IOC relocate to a country where all religions are respected.
Those who argue that this was a vote about secularism are deluding themselves – or seeking to delude others.
Supporters of the Yes vote produced propaganda showing white sheep, representing the Swiss, kicking a black sheep out of the country.
The far-right made gains in Europe in the first half of the last century by demonising and attacking Jewish people and the symbols of their religion.
Across Europe we are seeing intimidation and attacks against Muslims and others by emboldened fascists who are using Islamophobia to grow.
In Britain Nick Griffin was given a national TV appearance on Question Time to promote prejudice against Muslims.
Attacks on Islam are the battering ram of the BNP’s racism.
People should be free to practise whatever religion they want as long as they allow others the same.
This is why last month saw the launch of a new coalition, One Society Many Cultures, at a meeting in Parliament.
Defence of the rights of those most under attack from the far-right is a duty for all those who want to see the BNP defeated.
Peace and Justice Post 
The Hypocrisy of Al-Demoqratia
December 10, 2009So this is how democracy works?
In 2004, France banned headscarves and school principals chased after young “defiant” Muslim girls who continued to cover their heads in school. Now, following a national referendum, Switzerland has banned the construction of minarets, because minarets also somehow symbolize oppression. Thanks to the dedicated action of the far-right Swiss People’s Party, the Alpine skies will be free from the snaking menace, which would spread intolerance and taint the splendor of Swiss architecture.
In between these two peculiar events, the targeting of Muslims in Western countries and the subjugation of entire Muslim nations all over the world has never ceased. Not for a day.
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Tags:abuse of Muslims, headscarves issue in France, minarets banned, Muslims, Muslims and democracy, Ramzy Baroud, Switzerland
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