GENEVA: In the latest move to deny citizenship to those who decline integration with Swiss culture. Swiss authorities have rejected the naturalisation application of two Muslim girls from Basel who had applied for the Swiss citizenship a few months ago for not taking swimming lessons with boys present.
Their application was rejected because they “did not comply with the school curriculum”, local authorities were quoted as saying.
Two sisters, ages 12 and 14, say their religion prevents them from taking part in the school’s compulsory swimming lessons with males in the pool at the same time.
Stefan Wehrle, president of the naturalisation committee said. “Whoever doesn’t fulfill these conditions violates the law and therefore cannot be naturalized.”
Thos is not the first time that the Swiss authorities have rejected the Muslim naturalisation application .Earlier in 2012, a family was fined $1,500 for forbidding their daughters to participate in swimming classes.
This year in April, the Swiss authorities put a halt to the naturalisation applications of two Muslim brothers, aged 14 and 15, who refused to shake hands with their female teacher.
A statement released by the authorities said. “A teacher has the right to demand a handshake.”