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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.