Switzerland votes for marriage for all

Swiss voters backed same-sex marriage or "marriage for all" by a clear majority in a referendum on Sunday. The corresponding legislation was already passed last December but had not taken effect because of the referendum, whose initiators stirred up public opinion against the legislation for example with with photos of children crying over the supposed difficulties of life in a rainbow family. The Swiss media are all the more jubilant about the result.

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Tages-Anzeiger (CH) /

Heterosexuals have learned a lot

The referendum campaign brought colour into society, the Tages-Anzeiger writes in glee:

“People are partying all over the country, couples are making plans, breathing deep sighs of relief. This Sunday is a historic day. ... In December 2020 the joy over the clear vote in parliament was enormous, and the disappointment that a referendum campaign would nevertheless be necessary correspondingly bitter. But at least the campaign brought colour and insights into our lives. ... The lives of homosexual couples were in focus, never before could heterosexuals learn so much about the dreams and needs of their fellow human beings. And understand that these are no different from their own.”

Corriere del Ticino (CH) /

Seldom so united

Corriere del Ticino is also enthusiastic about the cultural change in the country:

“Switzerland was already open and tolerant, but just twenty years ago a vote on 'marriage for all' would have been enormously difficult and its success probably utopian. In the meantime a fundamental shift in public opinion has taken place in Switzerland, as in many other Western countries, towards more acceptance and inclusion regarding homosexuality. ... Rarely has the country been so united in a vote.”

Aargauer Zeitung (CH) /

Legitimation for equal rights

The Aargauer Zeitung is particularly jubilant about one aspect of the outcome:

“This social development happened in all areas, even rural ones. Whereas in 2005 several cantons rejected registered partnerships, 16 years later not a single canton has rejected 'marriage for all', which grants homosexual couples far more extensive rights. The referendum was not in vain. On the one hand, the people's yes vote lends greater legitimacy to equality. On the other hand, the opponents have launched an important debate about children's welfare, also regarding sperm donation. The right to know one's parentage is a justified concern.”