Switzerland makes same-sex marriage legal

‘This marks a huge moment in history!’: Gay and lesbian couples are finally able to tie the knot in Switzerland as country makes same-sex marriage legal

• Same-sex couples tie the knot in Switzerland as they are legally allowed to marry
• Switzerland became the 31st country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage
• Last year 64.1 per cent of the country voted to legalise it in a national referendum
• Mayor of Geneva Marie Barbey-Chappuis officiated the historic first ceremony

The first same-sex couples tied the knot in Switzerland on Friday following a referendum that changed the landscape for gay rights in the country.

Among the first to get married were Aline, 46, and Laure, 45, who have been together for 21 years and converted their civil union into marriage at the plush Palais Eynard in Geneva.

Beneath a sparkling chandelier in a mirrored salon, and with a dozen or so close friends and family in attendance, the couple exchanged touching words recalling their years together and love for each other.

Switzerland is one of the last remaining western European nations to adopt same-sex marriages. Pictured: Laure (left) and Aline kiss each other after their wedding ceremony in Geneva

Luca Morreale (left) and Stefano Perfetti kiss after converting their registered partnership into marriage, at the registry office in Zurich on Friday, July 1, 2022

Laura Suarez (left) and Annett Babinsky celebrated their marriage on July 1 after the new law came into effect

Xavier (left) and Daniel cut the cake after their wedding ceremony in Geneva after the Marriage For All Swiss law entered into force today

Holding hands throughout the ceremony, they signed the official documents, followed by their witnesses.

‘I am now very pleased to announce that you are officially married,’ said the Mayor of Geneva, Marie Barbey-Chappuis, who conducted the first ceremony in person.

The room burst into applause as the couple exchanged a kiss.

The Swiss government’s plans to introduce ‘marriage for all’ were challenged by opponents, who successfully triggered a referendum on the issue that was held last September.

However, 64.1 per cent of voters backed the introduction of same-sex marriage, paving the way for the ceremonies today.

After the first marriage today Barbey-Chappuis said: ‘It was very moving. It’s a big moment and sends a very strong message to society – being free to love and be loved.

‘The symbolism was particularly strong and the emotion too.

‘It was high time that marriage became perfectly equal in Switzerland.

‘It marks a moment in the history of Switzerland and of the institution of marriage.’

Switzerland is the 17th country in Europe to adopt same-sex marriages. The Netherlands was the first to make the change in 2001.

Yet across the world same-sex marriage remains unrecognised or illegal in 84 per cent of countries. 

Across the world same-sex marriage remains unrecognised or illegal in 84 per cent of countries

Laure and Aline exchange vows in Geneva during their wedding ceremony in front of Mayor of Geneva Marie Barbey-Chappuis

Switzerland decriminalised homosexuality in 1942. Before Friday, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership

In a country-wide referendum 64.1 per cent of voters backed the introduction of same-sex marriage

Switzerland decriminalised homosexuality in 1942. Before Friday, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership.

Yet that status does not provide the same rights as marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children.

Same-sex couples can now marry in civil ceremonies and enjoy the same rights as other married couples.

Same-sex foreign spouses are also now eligible to apply for citizenship through a simplified procedure and same-sex couples are now permitted to adopt jointly.

Where in the world is same-sex marriage still banned? 

Same-sex marriage is only legal in 31 out of more than 190 countries in the world.

It means same-sex marriage remains unrecognised or illegal across 84 per cent of the world.

22 countries have legalised same-sex marriage through legislation. Among these, Australia, Ireland and Switzerland legalised same-sex marriage through legislation but only after nationwide referendums.

Seven countries have legalised same-sex marriage nationally through court decisions — Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States of America.

Two countries, South Africa and Taiwan, enacted legislation legalising same-sex marriage after courts mandated them to do so.

In Europe just 17 countries have legalised same-sex marriage.

Where is same-sex marriage legal?

• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• the Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Portugal
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• The United Kingdom
• The United States of America 
• Uruguay

Source: Human Rights Campaign Foundation

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