SWITZERLAND LEGALIZED GAY MARRIAGE pic.twitter.com/9h91q3RS4T
— chezburger (@Ilikechezburge1) December 19, 2020
Marriage For All, a campaign group, makes this statement on its website: “This is not only a milestone in the fight for the rights of the Swiss LGBT population but also an important victory for their dignity, their acceptance and their inclusion in society.”
Other parts of western Europe are ahead of Switzerland regarding LGBT+ rights, with political institutions tending to be more conservative than the public. In addition to marriage equality, the legislation approved identity rights for transgender people.
Me angry, lmfao, gay people are winning each year. We just heard the news right now that Switzerland has approved same sex marriage. Since last two years so many countries have approved same-sex marriage. Gay rights is going big because gay people are everyhwere...1/2
— Loverainbow (@0Loverainbow0) December 18, 2020
With the legislation approved by parliament on Friday, trans people can finally change their gender identity by applying at civil registry offices. Switzerland will be the eighth European country to allow trans people to legally change their gender without requiring approval from a doctor or a court. This process is known as “Self-ID,” according to a transgender advocacy group in Europe.
The minimum age to legally change one’s gender without parental consent was 16 years, but trans rights advocates disagreed. Currently, medical treatments about gender transitioning do not require parents’ permission for patients under 16 years of age.
Its the first day i' outside since gay marriage is allowed in Switzerland.. and the amount of gay-couples i saw is freaking adorable and makes me absolutely happy :3
— Taesch or whatever, idc ^^ (@LittleTaesch) December 20, 2020
Alecs Recher, head of an advocacy group named Transgender Network Switzerland stated, “On the one hand, we’re super happy there will be this legal gender recognition based on self-determination, in a very quick and simple procedure. But, on the other hand, it’s a major step back for those under 16.”
The current laws require both children and adults to apply at a court to change gender, Recher added. Transgender Network Switzerland supports trans people through legal procedures, which costs up to 1,000 Swiss Francs ($1,130).
