Swiss Minaret Ban May Not Survive Court Challenge GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (Associated Press) -

A top Swiss official says voter approval of a ban on minarets next to mosques may not be a done deal.

The country's justice minister says the law will come into force immediately, but indicated that it could be overturned in court.

Critics in Switzerland and elsewhere have condemned the vote, saying it undermined the country's liberal, secular image.

Legal experts have questioned whether the ban on the Islamic towers used for the call to prayer is compatible with the country's constitution and international human rights law.

The vote brings the focus of a Europe-wide debate over Islam and immigration to Switzerland. It's a serious slap in the face for the Swiss government, which campaigned against it and was largely taken by surprise.

The vote doesn't affect the country's four existing minarets. © Copyright 2010, Associated Press