… that since 2009, Switzerland has banned the construction of minarets?
In November 2009, Swiss voters and cantons approved a popular initiative to amend the Swiss federal constitution to ban the future construction of minarets. The amendment added a new sub-article (3) to Article 72 (Church and State) stating that “The building of minarets is prohibited.” The four minarets that existed in the country at the time of the ban were not affected. The ban does not affect the future building of mosques, though they still are subject to existing local zoning requirements.
Who We Are
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission, the first of its kind in the world, that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad. USCIRF reviews the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the Congressional leadership of both political parties.
What We're About
Inherent in religious freedom is the right to think as we please, believe or not believe as our conscience leads, and live out our beliefs openly, peacefully, and without fear.
We are about freedom…
Freedom of thought and conscience
Freedom of religion or belief
Freedom of expression, association, and assembly
Why Religious Freedom Matters
Religious Freedom Is...
Our first freedom, part of our history and identity as a free nation and enshrined in our First Amendment
A core human right recognized by international law and treaty
A necessary component of our nation’s foreign policy and commitment to defend democracy and freedom globally
A vital element of our national security, critical to ensuring a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable world
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