Swiss come out clearly in favour of gay marriage in referendum

Switzerland will finally join the ranks of countries in Western Europe that allow gay marriage after a referendum on Sunday showed that a majority of voters favour same-sex weddings.

Results from all 26 cantons showed 64.1 per cent of Swiss were for gay marriage, according to tables shown on Swiss broadcaster SRF.

Parliament had already voted to allow same-sex couples to marry, making Switzerland one of the last countries in Western Europe to do so, but opponents seeking to define marriage as a union solely between a man and a woman attempted to overturn the legislation by putting the issue to a public vote, a common practice in the country.

The government must still decide when the change in law will take effect.

Opponents of gay marriage had tried in vain to stir up the atmosphere with photos of children crying. They claimed, without any scientific basis, that children have a hard time in so-called rainbow families.

Adoptions objected

They particularly objected to adoptions by same-sex couples and the availability of sperm donations for lesbian couples.

The Swiss also voted on a proposition to raise taxes on the rich, which was put forward by the Young Socialists youth party.

However, as expected, it was rejected by 64.9 per cent of Swiss voters.