The Government of Switzerland announced this Wednesday that people of the same sex will be able to start marrying in the country as of July 1, 2022, after equal marriage was approved in a referendum held in September.
"As of July 1, 2022, same-sex couples will be able to marry or convert their registered partner into marriage", the Executive has communicated in a statement, after making the decision in the Federal Council "after taking note of the result of the vote and deciding to launch the ‘Marriage for all’ project".
In the vote on September 26, "the clear majority of voters accepted" the equal marriage proposal, after which Parliament has decided to launch the project in two phases. The first of these will be launched on January 1, 2002, when a single provision on separation of assets will come into force, referring to the "balance of people of the same sex who have married abroad".
The law requires that the initiative take effect six months later, which means that on July 1, 2022, same-sex couples will be able to marry, although those who wish to do so may apply before that date.
Currently, same-sex couples can only form one registered couple, a pathway used by about 700 couples each year. In many respects, registered partners have the same rights and duties as married spouses. For example, they can choose a common name, be protected in the event of cessation of support and receive a part of the inheritance or retirement pension from their spouse. Since 2018, same-sex couples can also adopt their partner’s child.
In addition to being able to marry, married same-sex couples may also jointly adopt a child. If one of the members of the couple is a foreigner, they will be able to benefit from a shorter and less expensive naturalization procedure.
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