In Bern’s House of Religions – a model of tolerance and integration – an imam held illegal marriages. For example, couples would have been married, although there was no civil marriage. But that would be a condition for religious marriages. There is even a suspicion of forced marriages. Those responsible are alarmed and shocked, but there are no immediate consequences.
Exactly such calls now but the SVP. A broader response is needed. “It can’t be the case that you don’t look closely at forced marriages,” says Bernese SVP country councilor Erich Hess (41) to Blick. “There has to be zero tolerance.” However, it must be assumed that there are many more cases than have become known.
ban marriages
It is therefore clear to Hess and his party that action must be taken quickly. “As an immediate measure, the House of Religions is banned from the ceremonial wedding by the police with immediate effect until the allegations are fully clarified,” said the SVPler. A temporary marriage ban. “Otherwise there is a risk of forced marriages again. That must be avoided at all costs.”
Hess believes that the imam responsible for illegal marriages should be expelled from the country. And the lead imam of the mosque in the House of Religions – this is a different person – should “disclose the recruitment and work processes, funding and control of the association and make public specific suggestions for improvement”.
abolish subsidies
The National Council also wants to represent at the municipal level, as it also politicizes in Bern’s city parliament. “I will request that all subsidies to the House of Religions be stopped,” Hess clarifies. The city currently subsidizes the house with 300,000 francs per year.
Only in the event of a deletion would the entire sponsorship be penalized. Isn’t Erich Hess hitting the wrong people? “No,” he says firmly. “The operation of this house is, in principle, not a state task.”
The city, which adheres to the subsidies, does not fare well with him either: “As always, Linksgrün looks the other way instead of acting effectively against imported violence against women and girls,” complains Hess.
No marriages before 18
At the national level, SVP Switzerland is also demanding tougher measures. Hess refers to a motion pending before the Council of States that does not want to tolerate child and underage marriages. Accordingly, foreign marriages concluded before the age of 18 should also be invalid in this country.
Hess emphasizes that this initiative must be carried out with great precision. And: “The SVP finally demands zero tolerance and effective measures against any form of sexual assault and violence against girls and women.”