News
2007-01-04
First same-sex
union celebrated in Switzerland
Switzerland sees
first same-sex union
Two men have
become the first couple in Switzerland to join in
Two men, ages 89
and 60, have become the first couple in Switzerland to
join in a same-sex union. A new law recognizing such unions
was passed in 2005 and came into effect January
1. The men, who wish to remain anonymous,
registered their partnership on Tuesday in Locarno in
the southern Swiss state of Ticino. The two have been
together for about 30 years.
"It was very moving. At some point I think we
all had tears in our eyes," said Donatella Zappa, a
witness at the ceremony. Zappa, who is also a member
of the gay rights group Associazione Imbarco Immediato
("On Board Now"), said the event marked "the beginning of a
new period. The law enables same-sex couples to have the
rights every individual should enjoy."
The new law, which was approved by a popular
referendum, does not allow marriage between two people
of the same sex but ensures that gay unions have legal
standing similar to marriage. Same-sex couples will receive
the same tax and pension status as married couples but will
not be allowed to adopt children or undergo fertility treatment.
More same-sex couples are now lining up to tie
the knot. "The fact that there are couples who have
made their union legal and official will serve as a
model," Zappa said. (AP)
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