Same-sex unions recognized as marriage

Switzerland agrees to legalise same-sex marriage, after nearly two-thirds of the Swiss people voted in favour in a referendum. The referendum also included the legalisation of adoption among same-sex couples. Switzerland is the thirtieth country in the world that legalizes gay marriage.

On Sunday, voters bowed over the government’s proposal to open the marriage “to all”. Since 2007, same-sex partners have been able to register for registered partnerships. However, this does not entail the same rights as marriage.

The fact that a large majority (64.1%) of Swiss voters voted in favour of same-sex marriage means that same-sex couples will have the opportunity to adopt children after their marriage. Also, married lesbian partners can have children through sperm donation. Previously, that was only allowed for married straight women.