68% think you can be Swiss and Muslim, but 40% think that Islam isn't compatible with the values of a Swiss democracy. There are 8% out there who must think you can be Swiss and Muslim provided you're not Muslim.
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Muslims have a place in Switzerland, provided they're integrated and unobtrusive, according to a survey by the MIS Trend institute for 24 Heures. Muslims have a neutral image - neither good, nor bad. They get better marks in Swiss French area (39% very or fairly good) than in the Swedish German area (29%). Unsurprising, right-wing voters are more reserved (21% favorable) than those from the center (28%) or left-wing (45%). Women are more distrustful than men.
A very large majority of respondents (68%) said that it's possible to be a real Swiss and Muslim at the same time. 60% think that Islam should be treated in the same way as the Christian religions. Yet, the Vaud canton constitution doesn't grant official status to Islam, unlike Protestantism, Catholicism and Judaism.
Generally well accepted, Islam in Switzerland raises some doubts. First, a large minority (40%) think that Islam isn't compatible with the values of a Swiss democracy. And then, while Muslim communities aren't seen as a threat for state security (63%), 49% of respondents think that Islam more easily leads to extremism than other religions (41% disagree).
Marie-Hélène Miauton, the manager of MIS Trend says that the results are "very reasonable. Very Swiss." She says there's no lack of awareness regarding Islam, but there's concern about extremism. For the rest, the message is essentially: Muslims are free to live their faith, but they must integrate.
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