SWITZERLAND
Because of the nation’s linguistic and religious diversity, the Swiss political system grants wide-ranging autonomy to individual cantons.
The Constitution provides for complete freedom of religion. There is no federal state church, but the cantons support one or several churches with public funds. In all cantons, an individual may choose not to contribute to Church support (though in some cantons, private companies may not avoid payment of church taxes).
The German-speaking cantons and Ticino have proven tolerant of religious diversity and have made efforts to resist attempts from abroad, notably Germany and France, to manipulate Swiss officials and lawmakers to adopt anti-religious measures crafted by these countries. However, in February 1997, and again in 1998, the French-speaking canton of Geneva released a report which advocated legislation against alleged “mind control” and recommended against hiring minority religious members in government positions. A Canton of Geneva Commission subsequently issued a series of proposals which called for inter-cantonal cooperation to follow the example of Geneva, cantonal funding of private groups aimed at combatting religious minorities, and legislation enabling these groups to become parties to court cases involving minority religions.
Despite pressure from Germany, Swiss authorities have refused to act as “Big Brother” and place a religious minority under covert surveillance as the German government has done. The federal government has clearly stressed that religious and cultural pluralism must be respected. In June 1998, it announced that of the hundreds of religious minorities active in Switzerland, only a few a inclined to questionable practices and it is wrong to criticize all groups collectively. Existing law is adequate to deal with any illegalities.
The Constitution and laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion.
Article 49 of the Constitution states that:
“(1) Freedom of creed and conscience is inviolable.
“(2) No one may be forced to participate in a religious association, to attend religious teaching or to perform a religious act, nor be subjected to penalties of any sort because of his religious beliefs....
“(4) The exercise of civil or political rights may not be restricted by any prescription or condition of an ecclesiastical or religious nature.”
Article 50:
“(1) The free exercise of acts of worship is guaranteed within the limits set by public order and morality.”
Continued...
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