The motion by the Reformed Political Party (SGP), which follows the teachings of the Bible, suggested that the building of mosques and tall minarets should be limited in the Netherlands. It was supported by only 12 deputies out of 150.Supporters of the motion included two deputies from the SGP and politician Rita Verdonk, who used to be the minister for integration and immigration. Deputies from Party for Freedom (PVV) of right-wing lawmaker Geert Wilders, who is known for his anti-Islamic views, also supported the motion. Presented by SGP deputy Kees van der Staaij, the motion argued that more mosques and minarets might ruin Dutch identity.
The motion was harshly criticized by Deputy Prime Minister Andre Rouvoet, who said the SGP’s stance on the issue would hurt the rights of Christians to build churches in such countries as Turkey and Indonesia.
Rouvoet also said a referendum like the one in Switzerland that puts a constitutional ban on building minarets is not possible in the Netherlands because there are no such binding regulations in that regard in the country.
“The name of their party is ‘freedom.’ But they would like to restrict freedom of religion for a group of people,” said Rouvoet, as quoted on the Web site www.nu.nl. He also said such issues should be discussed at the local level where building plans are made.
Rouvoet emphasized that as a believer he is concerned about the developments. He also said a democratic society should provide rights to other believers, and if the majority tries to put limits on the beliefs of the minority, the rule of law would be damaged in a country.
