Swiss reject ban on animal testing in referendum By Reuters

By John Revill

ZURICH (Reuters) – Swiss voters rejected a proposal by animal rights activists to make Switzerland the primary nation to ban medical and scientific experiments on animals, however permitted harder restrictions on cigarette promoting in referendums held on Sunday.

Solely 21% of voters had been in favor of the animal experiment ban, with 79% towards, in line with authorities figures, within the nationwide referendum held underneath the Swiss custom of direct democracy.

Supporters had needed to halt exams, saying they’re unethical and pointless, however bumped into opposition from the nation’s highly effective prescription drugs foyer, which warned of the financial injury such a ban might trigger.

“We’re delighted with the clear rejection of this dangerous initiative,” mentioned Rene Buholzer, CEO of foyer group Interpharma.

“It exhibits that the Swiss inhabitants acknowledges the central function of analysis for individuals’s well being and for prosperity in Switzerland.”

Supporters mentioned animals in laboratories and used to supply meals undergo severe discrimination.

“Why don’t now we have extra empathy for them?” mentioned marketing campaign co-president Renato Werndli.

In one other vote on Sunday, voters permitted tighter restrictions on tobacco promoting, with 57% in favor.

The restrictions will see such promoting banned in newspapers, cinemas, the web, at occasions, and on billboards, with supporters saying such adverts encourage youth smoking.

“I’m in favor as a result of it’s a disgrace individuals are beginning (to smoke), it’s a social phenomenon and it doesn’t do good to anyone,” mentioned Angela Margeuron, from Carouge.

“We always hear that individuals find yourself in hospitals or die or that they’ve large well being points, however nonetheless promoting remains to be right here, after all it’s about cash, as at all times.”

The federal government was defeated within the different two votes on Sunday.

Its proposal to scrap the 1% tax on elevating fairness was opposed by 63% with solely 37% in favor, an final result Finance Minister Ueli Maurer mentioned despatched a adverse sign to companies looking for to spend money on Switzerland.

Bern’s plan to extend monetary assist for the media additionally failed, rejected by 55% of voters.

“The bulk thought that most likely an excessive amount of cash was being given to the media, and lots of agreed with the argument that the proposal favored the massive publishers,” Communications Minister Simonetta Sommaruga advised a information convention alongside Maurer.

“In the previous few weeks the argument prevailed that the unsuitable individuals would profit.”