Couple denied Swiss citizenship over handshake refusal
A couple who refused to shake hands or answer questions with members of the opposite sex on a naturalisation board in Lausanne have been denied Swiss citizenship.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/sb
Español
es
Les niegan ciudadanía por conducta discriminatoria
In a statement issued on FridayExternal link, the Lausanne city authorities confirmed a recent local newspaper report that it had denied a couple Swiss citizenship for refusing to shake hands with members of the opposite sex on the board during a naturalisation interview in spring.
But there had been other reasons that justified their rejection, the statement went on.
“During the hearing, this couple displayed a general discriminatory behaviour which was demonstrated by their refusal to answer questions posed by people of the opposite sex,” it said.
“Such an attitude does not respect a fundamental principle of our Constitution and a pillar of our society, namely equality between men and women. The Municipality noted that this couple did not meet the legal requirements and thus rejected their request.”
The authorities added that according to federal and cantonal laws, “candidates for naturalisation must be well integrated into the Swiss and Vaud community and show by their behaviour their attachment to Switzerland, its institutions and their respect for the Swiss legal order.”
Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, Lausanne councillor in charge of security and the economy, told ATS that this was the first time the naturalization committee had refused a dossier since he became a member in July 2016.
The couple now has three options: they can appeal, reapply or give up their plan to get Swiss citizenship, he declared.
More
More
Becoming Swiss: ‘Where do I sign?’
This content was published on
Swiss citizenship is highly sought after – and correspondingly hard to get. swissinfo.ch looks at how to get the naturalisation ball rolling.
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear “discriminatory” unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
Swan infected with bird flu in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland has reported its first bird flu case of the season. A swan found dead in central Switzerland tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Swiss researchers identify gene variants linked to cancer progression
This content was published on
ETH Zurich researchers explored genetic mutations’ effects on cell function and their role in cancer development and treatment using CRISPR/Cas techniques.
Explosion at Swiss company Givaudan’s US plant leaves two dead
This content was published on
Swiss flavour and fragrance maker Givaudan reported that an explosion at its Kentucky plant resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Swisscom’s Vodafone Italia takeover cleared by Italian telecoms authority
This content was published on
Swisscom is one step closer to its planned acquisition of Vodafone Italia, as the Italian communications regulator has approved the €8 billion deal.
Swiss parliamentary committee proposes foreign aid cuts and military funding boost
This content was published on
A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has proposed increasing funds for the military and agriculture while reducing foreign aid and asylum.
Swiss Rolex Submariner watches reach nearly $50 billion in total market value
This content was published on
The total market value of all Rolex Submariner watches ever made is nearly $50 billion, based on newly released production data.
Swiss Jew wrongfully detained due to prosecutor’s ‘bias’
This content was published on
A Jewish Swiss man was detained after the prosecutor argued he might flee to Israel. The Federal Court said this implies bias due to his Jewish faith.
US reportedly scrutinises Russian accounts UBS took over from Credit Suisse
This content was published on
The US is investigating Russian clients acquired by UBS during its takeover of Credit Suisse, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
WTO plans to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala before Trump swears in
This content was published on
Some member states of the World Trade Organization may seek to reappoint Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to a document released on Tuesday.
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.
Read more
More
Handshakes in schools enforced: ‘no ifs and buts’
This content was published on
Public school authorities in a northern Swiss canton reinforced their ruling that all students must shake their teacher’s hand when demanded.
Muslim fined for denying daughters swimming lessons
This content was published on
On Wednesday, the St Gallen cantonal court issued a financial penalty of CHF30 ($30) per day for 100 days and a fine of CHF1000. The man, who is a Bosnian national, was found guilty of breach of duty of care and education, not respecting authorities’ decision, and multiple violations against the law on compulsory education.…
Trilingual Brit denied Swiss citizenship for not knowing origins of raclette
This content was published on
Philip Smith, who now runs a café in Zurich, was denied the red passport because he didn’t know which canton the melted cheese speciality came from.
This content was published on
Fewer than 500 young people have applied for Swiss citizenship since the law changed earlier this year to ease naturalisation rules.
This content was published on
Swiss citizenship is highly sought after – and correspondingly hard to get. swissinfo.ch looks at how to get the naturalisation ball rolling.
This content was published on
Earning a Swiss passport requires some specific knowledge about the country – now, preparation courses exist for those hoping to become citizens.
Ten things you need to know about Swiss citizenship
This content was published on
How do you become Swiss? Who is entitled to naturalization? swissinfo.ch has collected questions from readers, and ten of them are answered here.
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.