Swiss government backs same-sex marriage ahead of vote
Homosexual couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, said Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter on Tuesday, presenting the government’s arguments for a Yes on the “marriage for all” referendum on September 26.
“The state should not dictate to people how they should organise their private and family lives,” Keller-Sutter’s justice ministry said in a statementExternal link.
The “marriage for all” project was accepted by a large majority in parliament last December, after years of debate and modifications – the original idea was put forward as a parliamentary initiative by the Liberal Greens in 2013.
More
More
Parliament takes historic step for same-sex marriage
This content was published on
Swiss parliament has ironed out the last differences on a bill initiated seven years ago, paving the way for same-sex couples to marry.
As well as allowing for same-sex marriage, the law will let lesbian couples have a child through sperm donation, while facilitated citizenship procedures – currently unavailable for same-sex partnerships – and adoption rights will also be widened.
Switzerland is one of the few European countries where same-sex marriages are illegal. Same-sex couples have been able to enter into a “registered partnership” but this does not entail the same rights and obligations as full marriage, especially when it comes to citizenship and joint adoption of children.
“For the government there is no reason to exclude same-sex couples from marriage,” the government argued on Tuesday. “Nothing changes for marriage between a woman and a man.”
If the vote passes, no new partnerships can be registered. However, those that exist today can be converted into a marriage.
Referendum
Although a survey commissioned by gay advocacy group Pink Cross in 2020 showed more than 80% of Swiss support same-sex marriage, opponents gathered enough signatures to force a binding referendum on the issue.
More
More
‘Marriage for all’ opponents hand in signatures for referendum
This content was published on
Swiss voters look set to have the last word on a same-sex marriage law after opponents handed in signatures demanding a referendum.
The committee – made up mainly of members of a small, ultra-conservative Christian party and the large right-wing Swiss People’s Party – argue that same-sex marriage warrants not merely a new law but a constitutional change.
They also say allowing lesbian couples access to sperm donation procedures is “legally and morally questionable” and that the well-being of children needs to be considered.
More
More
‘Marriage for all’ brings hope for rainbow families
This content was published on
Rainbow families hope “marriage for all” will make their lives easier, thanks to changes in the law.
This content was published on
The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) has once again extended its flight ban to Israel.
Swiss hoteliers are cautiously optimistic for the winter season
This content was published on
Most Swiss hoteliers are cautiously optimistic about the coming winter season but increases costs are likely to weigh on margins.
Swiss foreign ministry memo on UNRWA funding raises alarm
This content was published on
According to a Swiss foreign ministry internal memo, cutting off UNRWA supplies to Gaza could be a violation of the Genocide Convention.
Swiss justice minister reiterates call for safeguard clause with EU
This content was published on
Swiss justice minister Beat Jans reiterated the Swiss demand for a safeguard clause in the free movement of persons with the EU.
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.