‘This is a great moment in history!’: Gay and lesbian couples can finally untie the knot in Switzerland as the country legalizes same-sex marriage
- Same-sex couples tie the knot in Switzerland as they are legally allowed to marry
- Switzerland became the 31st country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage
- Last year, 64.1 percent of the country voted in a national referendum to legalize it
- Geneva Mayor Marie Barbey-Chappuis observed the historic first ceremony
The first same-sex couple broke the deadlock in Switzerland on Friday after 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 have transformed their civil marriage into marriage at the luxurious Palais Eynard in Geneva.
Under a sparkling chandelier in a mirror salon, and with a dozen or so good friends and family attending, the couple exchanged moving words that reminded them of their years together and love for each other.
Switzerland is one of the last remaining Western European countries to adopt same-sex marriage. In the photo: Laure (left) and Aline kiss each other after their wedding ceremony in Geneva
Luca Morreale (left) and Stefano Perfetti kiss after turning their registered partnership into a 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 went into effect
Xavier (left) and Daniel cut the cake after their marriage ceremony in Geneva after the Marriage For All Swiss law went into effect today
They held hands throughout the ceremony and signed the official documents, followed by their witnesses.
“I am now very pleased to announce that you are officially married,” said Geneva Mayor Marie Barbey-Chappuis, who held the first ceremony in person.
The room erupted in applause as the couple exchanged a kiss.
The Swiss government’s plans to introduce ‘marriage for all’ were challenged by opponents, which successfully sparked a referendum on the issue held last September.
However, 64.1 percent of voters supported the introduction of same-sex marriage, which paved the way for the ceremonies today.
After the first marriage today, Barbey-Chappuis said: ‘It was very moving. This is a great moment and sends a very strong message to society – to be free to love and be loved.
‘The symbolism was particularly strong and so was the emotion.
‘It was high time for marriage to become completely 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 marriage. The Netherlands was the first to make the change in 2001.
Yet same-sex marriages around the world remain unrecognizable or illegal in 84 percent of countries.
Around the world, same-sex marriage in 84 percent of countries remains unrecognized or illegal
Laure and Aline exchange vows in Geneva during their wedding ceremony in front of Geneva Mayor Marie Barbey-Chappuis
Switzerland decriminalized homosexuality in 1942. Before Friday, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership.
In a nationwide referendum, 64.1 percent of voters supported the introduction of same-sex marriage
Switzerland decriminalized homosexuality in 1942. Before Friday, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership.
Yet that status does not offer the same rights as marriage, including for the acquisition of 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 must also now apply for citizenship through a qualifying simplified procedure and same-sex couples are now allowed to adopt jointly.