Religious leaders across the world have criticised Switzerland’s referendum vote to ban the building of minarets.

The Vatican joined Muslim figureheads from Indonesia and Egypt, as well as Switzerland, in denouncing the vote as a blow to religious freedom.

France’s FM Bernard Kouchner expressed shock at the ban which, he said, showed “intolerance” and should be reversed.

But European right-wing groups welcomed the result, calling for other countries to take similar measures.

More than 57.5% of Swiss voters and 22 out of 26 cantons – or provinces – voted in favour of the ban on Sunday.

The proposal had been put forward by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the largest party in parliament, which said minarets were a sign of Islamisation.    »»» BBC News

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