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The Swiss supported the proposal with a nearly two-thirds majority in Sunday’s referendum, which also allows couples to adopt.
In the referendum, Switzerland agreed with a two-thirds majority to legalize same-sex couples’ marriage, making it one of the last Western European countries to do so.
According to the results provided by the Swiss Federal Chancellery, in the national referendum on Sunday, 64.1% of voters voted for same-sex marriage.
“This is a historic day for Switzerland, a historic day for same-sex couples’ equality, and an important day for the entire LGBT community,” said Jan Muller of the “Yes” campaign committee.
Switzerland is the 30th country in the world to adopt same-sex marriage and one of the last Western European countries to do so. The Netherlands was the first in 2001.
“We are very happy and relieved,” said Antonia Hausworth of the National Committee “Marriage for All”, adding that the supporters will be celebrating in Bern, the Swiss capital, on Sunday.
Attorney General Karin Keller-Sutter said that the first batch of same-sex marriages should start on July 1 next year.
“Anyone who loves and wants to get married can get married, whether it’s two men, two women, or one man and one woman,” she said.
“The state does not have to tell its citizens how they should live.”
Amnesty International welcomed this move and regarded it as a “milestone of equality.”
Although same-sex couples can register civil partnerships and approximately 700 people are formed each year, this arrangement does not provide the same rights as marriage, including obtaining citizenship and co-adopting children.
The revised law will allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt children at civil ceremonies. Married lesbian couples will also receive sperm donations, which is one of the most controversial aspects of the referendum.
After the Swiss Parliament approved a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in December last year, supporters collected the 50,000 signatures needed to submit the issue to a referendum under the Swiss direct democracy.
Monika Rueegger of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and members of the referendum committee “No Marriage for All” said she was disappointed by the results.
“This is not about love and affection, but about the welfare of children. Children and fathers are the losers here,” she told Reuters.
The law will also make it easier for foreigners married to a Swiss to obtain citizenship.
Of the more than 8 million people in 26 states across the country, most people voted yes—even the most conservative state. Basel has the highest approval rate at 74%.
Olga Baranova, a spokesperson for the “Agree” committee, told AFP: “Swiss cast a lot of’agree’ in the ballot box.”
She celebrated the “Yes” event in a restaurant in Bern, the Swiss capital-decorated with rainbow-colored balloons.
“It won’t change my country today,” Baranova said.
“Today reflects the change in mentality over the past 20 years. This really reflects the very broad and very important acceptance of LGBT people in society.”
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