ZURICH, Feb 13 (Reuters) – Swiss voters rejected a proposal by animal rights activists to make Switzerland the first country to ban medical and scientific animal testing, but approved tougher restrictions on cigarette advertising in referendums on Sunday.

In the nationwide referendum in the Swiss tradition of direct democracy, according to the government, only 21% of those eligible to vote were in favor of the ban on animal testing, 79% against. Continue reading

Proponents wanted to stop the tests, calling them unethical and unnecessary, but met with opposition from the country’s powerful pharmaceutical lobby, which warned of the economic damage such a ban could cause.

“We are pleased about the clear rejection of this harmful initiative,” said Rene Buholzer, CEO of the Interpharma lobby group.

“It shows that the Swiss population recognizes the central role that research plays in people’s health and in Switzerland’s prosperity.”

Advocates said animals face serious discrimination in laboratories and to provide food.

“Why don’t we have more empathy for her?” said campaign co-president Renato Werndli.

In another poll on Sunday, voters voted 57% in favor of stricter restrictions on tobacco advertising.

The restrictions will see such advertising banned in newspapers, cinemas, the internet, at events and on billboards, with advocates saying such advertising encourages smoking among young people.

“I’m in favor of it because it’s a shame that people are starting (to smoke), it’s a social phenomenon and it’s not good for anyone,” said Angela Margeuron from Carouge.

“We keep hearing about people ending up in hospitals or dying or that they have major health problems, but the ads are still there, of course, as always, it’s about the money.”

The government lost the other two votes on Sunday.

Her proposal to abolish the 1% tax on raising equity was rejected by 63%, with just 37% in favor, a result which Finance Minister Ueli Maurer said sent a negative signal to companies looking to invest in Switzerland.

Bern’s plan to increase financial support for the media also failed and was rejected by 55% of voters.

“The majority thought that too much money was probably being given to the media, and many agreed with the argument that the proposal favored the big publishers,” Communications Minister Simonetta Sommaruga told a press conference alongside Maurer.

“In the last few weeks, the argument has prevailed that the wrong people would benefit from it.”

Reporting by John Revill and Cecile Mantovani Editing by Frances Kerry

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