Tensions on the rise: rarely is there a church without a bell tower in Switzerland. Now other religious communities are demanding the same privilege: Muslims are fighting for the right to build minarets on top of mosques. This has been the cause of a heated debate, due to peak on November 29 when Swiss voters will decide how far freedom of religion should go.

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POLITICS

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Tensions on the rise: rarely is there a church without a bell tower in Switzerland. Now other religious communities are demanding the same privilege: Muslims are fighting for the right to build minarets on top of mosques. This has been the cause of a heated debate, due to peak on November 29 when Swiss voters will decide how far freedom of religion should go.

National headlines were guaranteed: In mid-September, the Islamic Community of Lucerne went public with a demand that has added a new chapter to an already emotional debate. The Community stated it would like to be officially recognised as one of the national churches in Canton Lucerne. By doing so, the Community would gain the right to collect church taxes.

"That way, we would be able ...

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