The House of Representatives on Wednesday agreed in principle to full marriage equality for homosexual couples against opposition by conservative parliamentarians.
Supporters of the proposal argued it was time for Switzerland as a liberal country to give gay marriage full legal status.
However, opponents, notably from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, argued civil partnerships for gays and lesbians, introduced in 2007, was enough.
The debate, including the right for lesbian couples to sperm donations, is set to continue over the next few days.
Observers expect the bill to pass in the House, but approval by the Senate at a later stage is less certain.
Right-wing opponents have threatened to challenge a more liberal legislation to a nationwide vote.
The Swiss government in January came out in favour of same-sex marriage, as did the Protestant churches while the Catholic church refused to take a stance.
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Swiss commission sees need for action in security policy
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More spending on the army, defence cooperation with NATO and a revision of the neutrality policy: this is what a group of experts has recommended to the Swiss government.
Fossil of world’s oldest wasp discovered in Ticino
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Excavations in Ticino have uncovered 248 fossilised insects dating back 239 million years. Among the finds along the Gaggiolo stream near Meride is the oldest wasp found to date.
Young people in Europe use condoms less frequently
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Young people in Europe have used condoms much less frequently in recent years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Switzerland, however, bucked the trend.
Nanoplastics found to interfere with tree photosynthesis
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Tiny plastic particles reach the leaves and needles of trees via the roots and disrupt photosynthesis. This was shown by researchers at ETH Zurich in an experiment.
Swiss pensions and child allowances to increase from 2025
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From 2025, old age and disability pensions will increase by 2.9% in Switzerland. The government is raising the minimum pension by CHF35 ($41.50) to CHF1,260.
Stricter Swiss sales and ad rules for tobacco products
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From October 1, stricter sales, advertising and notification regulations for tobacco products and electronic cigarettes will apply in Switzerland.
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Switzerland should pave the way to allow same-sex couples to get married and adopt children, a parliamentary committee has said.
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