A vegan woman was denied Swiss citizenship for "being annoying,"
protesting cowbells.

A small Swiss town needs more cowbell.

Nancy Holten, a vegan anti-cowbell campaigner, was denied a
passport by the Swiss village "for being annoying."

Holten, 42, is a Netherlands native but has lived in Switzerland
since she was 8-years-old. Both of her children hold Swiss
citizenship.

Nonetheless, when Holten attempted to receive a passport from
her village, located in the canton of Aargau, she was denied by
locals – twice.

The Dutchwoman reportedly meets all passport requirements, but
the local council decided to reject her for failure to honor
Swiss customs, cowbell included.

"The sound that cow bells make is a hundred decibel," Holten
told the Daily Mail. "It is comparable with a pneumatic drill.
We also would not want such a thing hanging close to our ears?"

Town authorities reportedly wished to grant Holten citizenship,
but 144 of 206 residents voted against it, citing her blatant
disrespect of cultural customs. Holten has actively protested
the tradition of pig-racing, as well.

Locals say that they honor Holten's opinions, but resent her
excessive interviews with members of the media.

Obtaining Swiss citizenship is difficult, with 20 percent of
citizens being foreigners. Local residents often have a say in
granting citizenship, rather than the federal government.

Nonetheless, there is still hope for the animal lover. Holten's
case is under review by the Cantonal government of Aargau, which
can override local objections.

http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article...wiss-passport-
because-she-s-vegan-10854310.php