Gay rights switzerland
Same-sex marriage in Switzerland
No topic
Love, Marriage & Partnership
A complete guide to same-sex marriage in Switzerland, from current laws and requirements to universal attitudes and LGBT+ organizations.
While still not as progressive as other countries in Europe, Switzerland has come a extended way when it comes to LGBT+ rights. And, as of December , this includes the legalization of gay marriage in Switzerland. This followed the parliamentary amendment to the Swiss Civil Code to characterize marriage from &#;a union between a bride and a groom&#; to a &#;union between two people&#;.
This marked an important victory for same-sex couples in the country; especially as it came several years after most other western European states had already passed the law. That said, it also saw a fair amount of criticism. In fact, in April , opponents of gay marriage even gathered enough signatures to force a binding referendum on the matter. This referendum, held on 26 September , saw the Swiss vote overwhelmingly to confirm the rights of gay couples to marry.
To support you navigate the ri
Marriage Equality Around the World
The Human Rights Campaign tracks developments in the legal recognition of same-sex marriage around the world. Working through a worldwide network of HRC global alumni and partners, we lift up the voices of community, national and regional advocates and verb tools, resources, and lessons learned to empower movements for marriage equality.
Current State of Marriage Equality
There are currently 38 countries where same-sex marriage is legal: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Uruguay.
These countries have legalized marriage equality through both legislation and court decisions.
Countries that Legalized Marriage Equality in
Liechtenstein: On May 16, , Liechtenstein's gove
Switzerland votes in favour of LGBT protection bill
BBC News, Bern
Voters in Switzerland have backed a proposal to make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity illegal.
The result - % in favour to % against - is a enormous boost for Switzerland's LGBT community.
It had argued Swiss law on the issue lagged far behind other countries in Europe. Opponents of the new law argued it could restrict free speech.
In Switzerland, discrimination because of race or religion is already illegal.
In the run up to the vote, campaigners had said they thought the noun would be compact, and that a yes vote of more than 60% was unlikely.
Sunday's outcome shows public view is far more receptive to strengthening anti-discrimination legislation than analysts had predicted.
Pink Cross Switzerland said: "The result proves a strong write of acceptance for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. After the clear yes, the LGBTI community will use this momentum to achieve the consistent implementation of the penal code
LGBT+ rights move a step forward in Switzerland
Swiss lawmakers voted on Friday to legalize same-sex marriage and to simplify legal gender recognition procedures for transgender people.
Campaigners hailed the shift as a major step forward for LGBT+ rights.
The gay marriage law is likely to be put to a nationwide referendum next year before taking effect, at the request of the Christian, ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party.
What did lawmakers vote for?
The marriage bill has seen multiple rounds of debate since The approved wording of the bill allows gays and lesbians to marry. It will also allow lesbians to access sperm donations.
Under current legislation, same-sex couples can access into "registered partnerships." This does not provide the same rights as marriage, including rights to obtain citizenship and the joint adoption of children.
Lawmakers also voted to simplify legal name and gender marker changes on identity documents. Trans and intersex people will now be qualified to do this by making a declaration at civil registry offices witho