# Freedom of religion is fundamental to Swiss law and European human rights treaties. # A minaret is a simple and common architectural feature of a mosque, and is neither a safety risk nor a public nuisance. # A minaret carries no political symbolism or significance. # Advertising campaigns to promote the law were racist. # The law may alienate Swiss Muslims, who are largely of European origin and are known to be moderate. # The international outcry against the law may have a negative influence on the Swiss economy and foreign relations