Swiss voters look to have backed minaret ban - TV

GENEVA Nov 29 (Reuters) - Swiss television said on Sunday early results from a referendum appeared to show voters had approved a right-wing-backed proposal to ban construction of new minarets.

"The initiative would appear to be accepted, there is a positive trend. It's a huge surprise," French-language television said, 30 minutes after polls closed at mid-day.

Both the Swiss government and parliament had rejected the initiative as violating the Swiss constitution, freedom of religion and the nation's cherished tradition of tolerance. The United Nations human rights watchdog had also voiced concerns. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay) ((geneva.newsroom@reuters.com; Tel. +41 22 733 3831))