Same-sex couples will be able to get married in Switzerland from July 1 next year, the government announced today, putting into effect the result of a groundbreaking referendum on the issue held in September.
Voters approved the Marriage for All initiative by a two-thirds majority, making Switzerland one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalize same-sex marriage.
In a two-stage process, same-sex couples married abroad will be recognized from the beginning of January. Previously, these couples were considered to have had a registered cohabitation relationship.
The new law will come into force six months later, which means that couples will be allowed to get married or change their registered cohabitation relationship from July 1, 2022.
The documents for the wedding can be submitted before this date, the government added in its announcement. No other registered cohabitation relationships will be allowed after this date.
Proponents of “Marriage for All” expect a few hundred people to benefit from the law amendment in its first year.
“We are really happy with the result of the referendum and that it is now becoming law,” Maria von Kenel, co-chair of the Marriage for All campaign, said today.
“We have been fighting for equality in marriage for 30 years and the result of the referendum was a historic moment,” he said.
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