![Extract from a commemorative plaque on the constitutional revision of 1874. It was during this revision that freedom of religion and conscience for all was enshrined in the Constitution – including for the Jewish minority.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/revision-verfassung-dig-3490-lm-24296-300x225.jpg)
Switzerland’s rocky road to religious freedom
The Federal Constitution only became secular in 1874 when it granted religious freedom to the Jewish minority. In the current version, there are still two exemption clauses concerning Muslims.
![Martin Disteli, A Zealot’s Sermon, design for a handkerchief, Solothurn, circa 1834.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/martin-disteli-zelotenpredigt-300x276.jpg)
![Caricature supporting the ban on Jewish ritual slaughter in satirical magazine Nebelspalter dated 19.8.1893.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/karikatur-fur-das-schachtverbot-im-nebelspalter-vom-1981893-220x300.jpg)
![Augustin Keller](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/augustin-keller-gbe-29066-bs-19372195-286x300.jpg)
![Opening session of the Second Vatican Council in Rome, October 1962.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/eroffnungssitzung-des-zweiten-vatikanischen-konzils-in-rom-im-oktober-1962-300x225.jpg)
Freedom of religion and conscience are inviolable.