Following a historical referendum, Switzerland voted in favour of same-sex marriage, seeing thousands of people celebrate in the streets.
Voting landed approximately at 64% for marriage equality and 34% against. There are 26 cantons (counties) that make up Switzerland, and every single one had a majority vote of “for”.
The results also mean that gay couples can adopt, and lesbian couples can have access to sperm donors and banks to reach their goals of starting a family.
“We are very grateful because it sends a magnificent signal to all that we as citizens, we want equal opportunities for all couples,” Maria von Känel of the Swiss Rainbow Families Association told PinkNews.
However, it seems the earliest couples will be allowed to wed is in July 2022.
Meanwhile, the 11,500 couples who are currently in civil partnerships will be allowed to either maintain their current relationship status or have it converted into a marriage.