Switzerland celebrated its first gay marriage on Friday. Equal marriage was approved in a referendum less than a year ago, but the law only took effect today.
The Alpine country aligns with most Western European countries on a track paved by the Netherlands in 2001.
Aline and Laure, 46 and 45, were one of the first couples to say “yes” in front of their family and friends.
“I am pleased to announce that they are officially married,” said Maria Barbey-Chappuis, the Mayor of Geneva, who personally led the ceremony.
“It’s time for marriage in Switzerland to be completely egalitarian,” the mayor told AFP.
In the referendum held in September, Switzerland gave an emphatic ‘yes’ in favor of same-sex marriage. His opponents, who saw the union as a threat to the welfare of children, suffered a crushing defeat.
Yes, it received 64.1% of the vote and was victorious in all cantons of the country, including the most conservative.
Switzerland discriminated against homosexuality until 1942.
Before Friday, same-sex couples were only allowed to register for one civil union. However, this status does not include the same rights as marriage, such as citizenship and joint adoption of children.
Same-sex couples can now marry in official ceremonies and have the same rights as other married couples.
source: Noticias
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