Opponents of Genetic Engineering
of animals and plants had been cautiously optimistic about the chances
of Switzerland becoming the first nation to pass a referendum banning
genetic engineering. Instead more than 65 percent of Swiss citizens voted
no on the proposed constitutional change, sending it down to a huge defeat.
Switzerland is home to close to
200 firms that conduct genetic research, including pharmaceutical giants
Novartis and Roche who aggressively opposed the proposed ban.
Source:
“Swiss oppose ban on genetic research and production,” Nando.net,
June 7, 1998.
“Swiss voters reject curbs on genetic engineering,” CNN, June 7, 1998.