Experts were stunned after Swiss citizens voted “yes” to amend the constitution in favor of banning minarets, a measure many thought would be rejected.

It also sent ripples of anxiety across the country’s Muslim community, which makes up about six percent of Switzerland’s population.

Championed by the nationalist Swiss People’s Party, the initiative was backed by some 57.5 percent of voters. Minarets are a symbol of Islamic political power, the party argues. The ban will not affect the four minarets currently standing in Switzerland.

The Swiss government had urged citizens to vote against the measure and public opinion polls ahead of the election predicted that it would be rejected.

Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey said she was shocked by the outcome and deeply regrets it.

A ban against minaret construction violates freedom of expression, human rights groups say. Many Muslims have expressed concern the vote could resonate across Europe, including in neighboring France–home to about five million Muslims, Western Europe’s largest Islamic community.

(article and photo source: Voice of America)