Switzerland voters back bill making discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and identity illegal
The country lags far behind other European countries when it comes to LGBTQ rights
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Swiss voters have backed a bill to make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity illegal.
In Switzerland, discrimination because of race and religion is already illegal but the country lagged far behind other countries in Europe over their LGBTQ rights.
But now, 63.1 per cent of voters voted in favour of making discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and identity illegal – with 36.9 per cent voting against, the BBC reported.
Pink Cross Switzerland said: “The result proves a strong sign of acceptance for lesbians, gays and bisexuals.
“After the clear yes, the LGBTI community will use this momentum to achieve the consistent implementation of the penal code and to enforce marriage equality.”
A bill to legalise same-sex marriage is currently on its way through parliament.
“Many Swiss people tend to overrate how modern our country is,” Anna Rosenwasser of the Swiss Lesbian Organisation said.
“It might be rich, but it’s really not modern yet. We have no laws concerning public discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“Amongst queer people in Switzerland, it is five times higher compared to heterosexual people.
“That’s quite something, it shows how we are not feeling safe yet.”