The topic I prepared for today concerned a referendum calling for a constitutional ban on the building of minarets, one of the features of Islamic mosques. Two pieces chosen for the discussion are:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1933893,00.html
(written before the referendum, with brief introduction of the background of the initiative)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/world/europe/30swiss.htm
(written after the vote, indicating the result and certain reactions to it)
Also for your reference was a video clip showing divided opinion in Switzerland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gRLE7pgdxY
Lastly, as I mentioned at the end of the discussion today, this issue is now before the European Court of Human Rights: http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Court_moves_forward_with_minaret_ban_appeals.html?cid=8921318
Will keep you guys posted as the case progresses.
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