The Senate followed the Houser of Representatives to approve a demand to for the government to propose a new law to promote sign languages, equal opportunities in the fields of information, communication, political participation, services, education, work, culture and health.
The government, which will have to present a bill for discussion in parliament at a later stage, had indicated its willingness to take legal action, but it wanted to amend existing laws instead of creating a separate new law.
During Monday’s debate, Interior Minister Alain Berset, whose portfolio includes culture, social security and health issues, promised to submit both options for consultation.
The Swiss Federation of the Deaf has been advocating for a separate law for some time.
There are around 10,000 deaf people in Switzerland who use one of the three Swiss sign languages as their first language: the Swiss-German sign language, the Langue de signes française for French speakers and the Lingua dei segni italiana for Italian speakers.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Switzerland’s highest campsite closes due to mudslide risks
This content was published on
The Valais authorities have ordered the closure of Switzerland's highest campsite in Arolla due to the risks of mudslides.
This content was published on
The water temperature of the Rhine River could rise by up to 4.2° degrees Celsius by the end of the century due to the warming planet, scientists warn.
This content was published on
The Federal Council wants to explore the possibilities of joining the European Union’s €800-billion rearmament programme without compromising Swiss neutrality.
Defence Minister Pfister stresses importance of Swiss mission in Balkans
This content was published on
During a visit to the Balkans region last week, Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister met Swisscoy peacekeeping troops in Kosovo.
Premiere for Swiss Air Force on French National Day
This content was published on
On July 14, the Swiss Air Force will take part in the traditional air parade in Paris to mark the French bank holidays with an F/A-18 fighter jet. This is a first for Switzerland.
Swiss launch competition for memorial to Nazi victims
This content was published on
The victims of Nazi Germany are to be commemorated on the Casinoterrasse in Bern. A competition will be held to determine what the site will look like.
This content was published on
The cantonal police of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland have arrested and convicted five cocaine dealers in Chur within a week.
This content was published on
The Swiss business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse and the employers' association broadly support the package of agreements negotiated with the European Union.
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
Positive signs: Swiss deaf federation marks 75 years of adversity
This content was published on
Progress made over the past 75 years makes for fascinating but uneasy reading, and, as the Covid-19 crisis shows, many challenges remain.
Deaf Swiss demand political information in sign language
This content was published on
Voting pamphlets and explanations of federal bills should be available online in sign language, says the Swiss Federation for the Deaf.
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.