Supporters pose for a picture after the first projections following a nationwide referendum on same-sex marriage in Swiss capital, Bern, on Sept. 26. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
A referendum to allow same-sex marriage won sweeping approval from Swiss voters in Sunday's election, AP reports.
Why it matters: Although Switzerland has allowed same-sex civil partnerships since 2007, the passage of the “Marriage for All” measure will allow these couples to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The big picture: The passage of the referendum will allow same-sex couples to adopt children, facilitate citizenship for partners who are not Swiss, and allow lesbian couples to use regulated sperm donation services, per AP.
- More than 64% of voters approved the measure, AP reports.
- "We are very happy and relieved," Antonia Hauswirth of the national committee Marriage for All, told Reuters.
- Amnesty International hailed the outcome as a "milestone for equality."