Switzerland is far from the vanguard when it comes to the legal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, according to an international interest group.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/sm
In a European comparison by ILGA EuropeExternal link, Switzerland ranks 23rd among 49 countries. IGLA Europe cites a lack of protection for those who are transgender or intersex, as well as a lack of measures for equality at the workplace and in marriage and family matters. In addition, the group says Switzerland doesn’t do enough to combat hate crimes.
This “rainbow map”, published on Thursday, shows the comparison at a glance:
Rainbow Europe 2020External link was topped by Malta, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg. Azerbaijan came 49th, below Turkey and Armenia.
Unfinished business
Swiss LGBTI groups demand that it be easier for transgender and intersex people to change gender on paper. They also want a ban on gender-changing operations and hormonal interventions without the consent of those affected – in particular, children.
Criticism is also directed at Swiss health insurance companies. Transmen, for example, need gender-appropriate medication that is often not covered by health insurance, say critics.
External Content
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished… We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
This content was published on
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), Swissinfo's parent company, must restructure due to financial pressures and to stay competitive in the fast-moving media environment.
This content was published on
There has been a sharp decline in the consumption of single-use disposable plastic bags and reusable plastic bags in the Swiss retail sector.
This content was published on
A biometric Swiss identity card (ID) is expected to be available in Switzerland by the end of 2026. The Federal Office of Police and its federal and cantonal partners are working on a new ID card that features a chip.
Heatwave reduces output at Swiss nuclear power plant by 50%
This content was published on
The ongoing heatwave has forced the Beznau nuclear power plant, which relies on water from the River Aare, to halve its output.
Swiss continue to enjoy high social mobility, study shows
This content was published on
Opportunities for upward social mobility have remained intact in Switzerland since the 1980s. Social mobility is exceptionally high by international comparison, a study shows.
Swiss government affected by cyberattack on health foundation
This content was published on
Switzerland says a ransomware attack on the non-profit health foundation Radix that involved data being stolen and encrypted had also affected the federal administration.
Federal Council agrees to investigation into alleged Swiss-Russian spying affair
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland can open spying investigations into the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
Appeal launched against Starlink satellite antennae project planned in Swiss village
This content was published on
A group of Swiss citizens has filed an appeal against plans to install 40 Starlink satellite antennae in the mountain village of Leuk in southern Switzerland.
UBS launches buyback scheme for up to $2 billion in shares
This content was published on
UBS is starting a share buyback programme for up to $2 billion (CHF1.6 billion) in shares, in line with a plan approved at its annual general meeting (AGM) in April, the Swiss bank said on Monday.
Highest Swiss court says sexual orientation not protected under equality law
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Court ruled today that the law on equality does not apply to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
This content was published on
Stefanie Stalder faced a dilemma as a transgender person in a rural region of Switzerland. Should she end it all or live her identity as a woman?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.