Swiss voters approve rights for gay couples

Swiss voters on Sunday granted same-sex couples more rights, marking the first time the issue has been put to a national vote in Europe. In the referendum, a majority--1.56 million people, or 58%--were in favor of granting more rights to same-sex couples. The vote means that starting in 2007, registered same-sex couples will receive the same tax and pension status as married couples, but they will not be allowed to adopt children or undergo fertility treatment.