2009 Referendum on Minaret Construction

The 2009 Referendum on Minaret Construction in Switzerland was a nationwide vote where citizens decided whether to ban the construction of new minarets on mosques. Minarets are tall towers associated with Islamic places of worship, used for calls to prayer. The referendum was sparked by a petition from a conservative group, citing concerns about cultural integration and security. The majority of Swiss voters approved the ban, which was seen as a move to limit Islamic architectural influence. The decision was controversial, drawing international attention and debates about religious freedom and multiculturalism in Switzerland.