While current rules make transgender people ineligible for military service, the army is mulling over the possibility of lifting restrictions in the future.
This content was published on
1 minute
Le Matin Dimanche/SonntagsZeitung/ac
Español
es
El ejército suizo considera reclutar a personas transgénero
According to the Le Matin Dimanche and SonntagsZeitung papers, the military has set up a “Diversity Swiss Army” office to deal with the subject of transgender people. Current army regulations render transsexuals ineligible for military service and civil protection duties. In practice, the military has made exceptions on a case by case basis.
If a specialist certifies mental and physical health of the individual and their ability to meet criteria like stress resistance, resilience, adaptability and subordination, there is nothing to prevent a transgender person from being admitted. Such cases are quite rare. Military doctors identify approximately 18 transsexuals per year.
A recent study by the Zurich Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) called “Security 2019” notes resistance by the public to the idea, even when it comes to homosexuals. In a survey, 14% believe that sexual minorities could affect troop cohesion. A government-led survey on social networks addressing 53,000 male and female conscripts is planned as early as 2020.
In the future, army recruiters will address the transgender issue by asking 19-year-old recruits about the sex they identify with. They will be able to check the box called “other” besides the usual “man or woman”.
More
More
Highest Swiss court says sexual orientation not protected under equality law
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Court ruled today that the law on equality does not apply to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
WEF gives Crystal Award to Beckham, Yamamoto and von Fürstenberg
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum in Davos handed out awards to UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and women's rights activist Diane von Fürstenberg.
Swiss CEOs betting on a strong domestic market in 2025
This content was published on
Swiss business leaders are optimistic about 2025, despite a world in crisis, says a new survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
This content was published on
But training a new soldier comes at a great cost to the taxpayer, so the Swiss Army has been using a new method to ensure that those who are unfit for military service are weeded out before they reach boot camp. Before the new recruitment process started being phased in 2003, 20 to 30 per…
Former Swiss army officer given suspended sentence for fighting in Syria
This content was published on
A former Swiss army officer who fought in a Christian militia against Islamic State in Syria has been given a suspended sentence and small fine by a military court in Bellinzona.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.