'This marks a huge moment in history!': Gay and lesbian couples are finally able to tie the knot in Switzerland as country makes same-sex marriage legal
- Same-sex couples tie the knot in Switzerland as they are legally allowed to marry
- Switzerland became the 31st country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage
- Last year 64.1 per cent of the country voted to legalise it in a national referendum
- Mayor of Geneva Marie Barbey-Chappuis officiated the historic first ceremony
The first same-sex couples tied the knot in Switzerland on Friday following a referendum that changed the landscape for gay rights in the country.
Among the first to get married were Aline, 46, and Laure, 45, who have been together for 21 years and converted their civil union into marriage at the plush Palais Eynard in Geneva.
Beneath a sparkling chandelier in a mirrored salon, and with a dozen or so close friends and family in attendance, the couple exchanged touching words recalling their years together and love for each other.
Switzerland is one of the last remaining western European nations to adopt same-sex marriages. Pictured: Laure (left) and Aline kiss each other after their wedding ceremony in Geneva
Luca Morreale (left) and Stefano Perfetti kiss after converting their registered partnership into marriage, at the registry office in Zurich on Friday, July 1, 2022
Laura Suarez (left) and Annett Babinsky celebrated their marriage on July 1 after the new law came into effect
Xavier (left) and Daniel cut the cake after their wedding ceremony in Geneva after the Marriage For All Swiss law entered into force today
Holding hands throughout the ceremony, they signed the official documents, followed by their witnesses.
'I am now very pleased to announce that you are officially married,' said the Mayor of Geneva, Marie Barbey-Chappuis, who conducted the first ceremony in person.
The room burst into applause as the couple exchanged a kiss.
The Swiss government's plans to introduce 'marriage for all' were challenged by opponents, who successfully triggered a referendum on the issue that was held last September.
However, 64.1 per cent of voters backed the introduction of same-sex marriage, paving the way for the ceremonies today.
After the first marriage today Barbey-Chappuis said: 'It was very moving. It's a big moment and sends a very strong message to society - being free to love and be loved.
'The symbolism was particularly strong and the emotion too.
'It was high time that marriage became perfectly equal in Switzerland.
'It marks a moment in the history of Switzerland and of the institution of marriage.'
Switzerland is the 17th country in Europe to adopt same-sex marriages. The Netherlands was the first to make the change in 2001.
Yet across the world same-sex marriage remains unrecognised or illegal in 84 per cent of countries.
Across the world same-sex marriage remains unrecognised or illegal in 84 per cent of countries
Laure and Aline exchange vows in Geneva during their wedding ceremony in front of Mayor of Geneva Marie Barbey-Chappuis
Switzerland decriminalised homosexuality in 1942. Before Friday, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership
In a country-wide referendum 64.1 per cent of voters backed the introduction of same-sex marriage
Switzerland decriminalised homosexuality in 1942. Before Friday, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership.
Yet that status does not provide the same rights as marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children.
Same-sex couples can now marry in civil ceremonies and enjoy the same rights as other married couples.
Same-sex foreign spouses are also now eligible to apply for citizenship through a simplified procedure and same-sex couples are now permitted to adopt jointly.
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