Swiss vote on banning new minarets

GENEVA – Swiss voters are deciding in a referendum today whether to accept a ban on the construction of minarets, which right-wing parties regard as symbols of militant Islam.

The move – led by the Swiss People’s Party, which has campaigned in previous years against immigrants – has stirred fears of boycotts and violent reactions from Muslim countries.

Polls indicate growing support for the proposal, but doubt remains about whether it will pass. The seven-member Cabinet that heads the Swiss government has spoken out strongly against the initiative.