Pan-European Islamic Group Condemns Swiss Minaret Referendum UN Slams ‘Discriminatory’ Swiss Minaret Ban
Dec 02

Danish, Dutch Populist Parties Want Referendums on Minaret Ban

General Problems of Europs Muslims, Muslims of Switzerland, Western of Anti islam Add comments

It’s been criticized as an expression of prejudice at odds with European values of tolerance. But in a referendum on November 29, Swiss voters approved a ban on the building of minarets.

And now populist parties in Denmark and the Netherlands say they want referendums, too. The calls came from two parties known for their tough stances on immigration.

Geert Wilders, head of the Dutch Freedom Party, told the Dutch daily “Volkskrant” that his party “will call upon the government to make a similar referendum possible in the Netherlands.”

And in Denmark, Danish People’s Party head Pia Kjaersgaard welcomed the Swiss ban and said her party would also seek a similar vote.

Martin Henriksen, a deputy for the Danish People’s Party, acknowledged that Denmark currently had no mosques with minarets. But he told RFE/RL that Muslim immigrants have to adapt to Danish society, not the other way around.

“There are plans in Copenhagen and other Danish cities to build grand mosques, and we oppose it in every way possible. And this could be another way to oppose it,” Henriksen says.

“The reason why is because immigration that has taken place in Denmark up to 2001 when the Danish People’s Party gained influence in the parliament has shown a lot of problems. We have seen in schools, public institutions and workplaces there are certain rules and standards forced in by some Muslims in Denmark. That is why we have to set our foot down.”

The moves by the Dutch and Danish parties come amid a flurry of condemnation of Switzerland’s ban from around Europe and far beyond.

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, whose country currently holds the rotating European Union Presidency, called it a sign of prejudice and possibly fear.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he was shocked and hoped the Swiss would reverse the decision.

The UN’s expert on religious freedom, Asma Jahangir, said the ban amounted to an “undue restriction” on religious freedom and “clear discrimination” against Switzerland’s Muslims.

The Vatican weighed in, too, saying it heightens the problems of cohabitation between religions

And the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the world’s largest Islamic grouping, said it was an example of growing anti-Islamic incitement in Europe.

However eye-catching today’s calls for copycat referendums are, though, it’s not clear they would have much chance of success.

Switzerland’s system of direct democracy allows for a referendum to be called if a proposal gets 100,000 signatures.

In Denmark, 60 votes are needed in the 179-seat parliament to call a referendum. The Danish People’s Party only has 25.

In the Netherlands, the Freedom Party, with nine deputies, would appear to have an even slimmer chance of getting its way.

The Netherlands has held only one national referendum in the past 200 years — the 2005 vote on the EU’s proposed constitution.

 

Source: RFE/RL

written by *


32 Responses to “Danish, Dutch Populist Parties Want Referendums on Minaret Ban”

  1. 1. Каталог статей Says:
    February 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm02

    Between us speaking, in my opinion, it is obvious. Try to look for the answer to your question in google.com

  2. 2. Online-Insurance-963 Says:
    March 31st, 2010 at 1:24 pm03

    hm. hope to see same more info. Can we speake about it?

  3. 3. MayaLee Says:
    July 31st, 2010 at 1:24 pm07

    Wow, wonderful blog post! I even have shown this to my friends!

  4. 4. thuccinue Says:
    August 1st, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    That’s right I said! Author fellow. Nothing to add ….

  5. 5. AntalmSleenna Says:
    August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    Thanks for the interesting topic. Tell your friends.

  6. 6. squistubomomy Says:
    August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    It should come back to this blog and read.

  7. 7. stoottpewmelf Says:
    August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Very well written!

  8. 8. erosocagrardy Says:
    August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Somewhere I read it already. It is possible that you reprint.

  9. 9. enteveTeeclum Says:
    August 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Is it possible that this is all so. As will be detailed during write.

  10. 10. esovepreela Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    Thanks for such a good blog! Recommend friends.

  11. 11. lonataria Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    How much you have interesting things on the blog.

  12. 12. nualfurrend Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    Yes, all true. It is again read.

  13. 13. online gambling Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Your blog is fine. I just want to comment on the design. Its too loud. Its doing way too much and it takes away from what youve got to say –which I think is really important. I dont know if you didnt think that your words could hold everyones attention, but you were wrong.

  14. 14. Mopecrele Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    That’s right I said! Author fellow. Nothing to add ….

  15. 15. Filifusia Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Thanks for the interesting topic. Tell your friends.

  16. 16. articrowila Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    It should come back to this blog and read.

  17. 17. Lomoweidege Says:
    August 3rd, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Very well written!

  18. 18. bourneBloon Says:
    August 4th, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    Somewhere I read it already. It is possible that you reprint.

  19. 19. Seahinterie Says:
    August 4th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Is it possible that this is all so. As will be detailed during write.

  20. 20. kedariffibref Says:
    August 4th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Thanks for such a good blog! Recommend friends.

  21. 21. ceteamita Says:
    August 4th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    How much you have interesting things on the blog.

  22. 22. Goatoexadia Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    Yes, all true. It is again read.

  23. 23. Spinnapem Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    That’s right I said! Author fellow. Nothing to add ….

  24. 24. THEONAFAH Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Thanks for the interesting blog!

  25. 25. dsuch Says:
    August 6th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Bei allen begeben sich die persönlichen Mitteilungen heute?

  26. 26. online gambling Says:
    August 10th, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    I began searching for several life insurance plans so that I can make sure my young daughter will have a college education and be financially protected if anything should happen to me. I foundsome really good articles about the topic of anyoneis interested.

  27. 27. Autoglass Says:
    August 10th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Cool blog.

  28. 28. Weertworeox Says:
    August 11th, 2010 at 1:24 am08

    your post is intertesting, can you share the blueprint that Rob follows? I will keep watching your post . great!

  29. 29. Gakspayobby Says:
    August 25th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Senks. It is interesting and generally useful in your blog

  30. 30. Brovardoor Says:
    August 28th, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    There are many interesting here. Hope to see some more in future

  31. 31. Gakspayobby Says:
    August 31st, 2010 at 1:24 pm08

    Megarespekt !!!!!

  32. 32. buy cheap oem software Says:
    September 1st, 2010 at 1:24 pm09

    My friend John showed me your post on Facebook.
    Alex

Leave a Reply