Switzerland Witnesses First Same-Sex Union Under 'Marriage For All' Bill

Switzerland has witnessed the first accepted same-sex unions. In a referendum held nine months earlier, 64% of Swiss citizens supported the "Marriage for All" bill. Happy couples can now legally wed and will have the same rights as heterosexual couples, including the ability to adopt, starting on July 1.

The same-sex couples will now also be allowed to transform their registered partnerships into marriage, according to the newlyweds, who called it a "significant day."

Same Sex Unions

According to reports, the "Marriage for All" initiative was adopted by voters in September with nearly a two-thirds majority, making Switzerland one of the last nations in Western Europe to legalise same-sex unions.

In 2007, same-sex couples obtained the right to form civil partnerships, and in 2018, they won the right to adopt their partner's kid.

However, they lacked privileges accorded to heterosexual married couples, such as access to adoption and sperm donation on a regular basis and a simpler route to citizenship for foreign spouses.

Replying to BBC News (World)’s tweet about the legalisation of same-sex marriages in Switzerland, one of the trolls commented, “Terrible view,” while for others it was a “heartbreaking sight.” 

Another user highlighted the need for covering the first same-sex legal divorce saying, “I don’t want to bring negativity to the party but I hope @BBCWorld covers the first legal same-sex divorce, as well.”

Referring to the event, some positive comments read, “I apparently accidentally witnessed Switzerland's history yesterday while witnessing a recently wedded couple walk out of a church after getting married and it feels very cool.”

Expressing mixed emotions for the happy couples one user also added, “In the beginning, God made Adam and Eve, NOT Adam and Steve. I mean He made Adam and Eve, Not Ruth and Eve. I mean God created ADAM and EVE.” 

In 1942, Switzerland decriminalised homosexuality. Prior to this past Friday, same-sex couples had to register as a civil partnership, which does not grant the same rights as marriage.

However, same-sex couples can now wed in civil ceremonies and have the same legal privileges as heterosexual couples. Notably, same-sex couples can now adopt together, and same-sex overseas spouses are now qualified to petition for citizenship through a streamlined process.

Suggested Reading: Vatican On Catholic Church’s Stance On Same-Sex Union: God ‘Cannot Bless Sin’