/ 27 September 2021

Swiss back same-sex marriage

A couple poses with a wedding cake's slice during an event following a nationwide referendum on same-sex marriage, in Swiss capital Bern on September 26, 2021. - Swiss voters have approved the government's plan to introduce same-sex marriage, according to the first projections following September 26 referendum triggered by opponents of the move. Shortly after the polls closed at noon market researchers GFS Bern, who conducted the main polling throughout the campaign, projected that the "yes" vote was heading for victory, which would bring the Alpine nation into line with most of western Europe. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
A couple poses with a wedding cake's slice during an event following a nationwide referendum on same-sex marriage, in Swiss capital Bern on September 26, 2021. - Swiss voters have approved the government's plan to introduce same-sex marriage, according to the first projections following September 26 referendum triggered by opponents of the move. Shortly after the polls closed at noon market researchers GFS Bern, who conducted the main polling throughout the campaign, projected that the "yes" vote was heading for victory, which would bring the Alpine nation into line with most of western Europe. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

That’s the projection with some counting yet to do after the vote in a referendum to change Switzerland’s marriage laws wrapped up a few hours ago. Analysts think there is more than 60% support for same-sex marriage, and the change will bring the country into line with most of Western Europe. A socially conservative nation, church groups and political parties ran strong campaigns opposing same-sex marriage, saying it would undermine the traditional family. Pro-change campaigner leader Antonia Hauswirth said she was “happy and relieved”. Also still counting: election workers in Germany following their national election. Reports say it’s close between outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU and the centre-left SPD for first place…

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