Switzerland give same sex couples the go ahead to marry from July

Incredible news.

Switzerland has announced that same-sex couples will be allowed to marry from July 1st of next year, making huge progress for the country. After a resounding referendum recently in Switzerland, the country's executive body will now give same-sex couples the same marriage rights as opposite-sex couples. The Federal Council has officially said that from January 1st, Switzerland will recognise same-sex couples who have married in other countries instead of still treating them as if they were in civil partnerships. When setting a date for the Marriage For All law, which was approved by voters in September, the council noted that civil partnership would no longer exist in Switzerland as of July 1st. Despite this, anyone that is already in a civil partnership, which was made into law in 2007, would be allowed to maintain their status without needing to marry. Switzerland is one of the few countries in Western Europe that has not already legalised same-sex marriage before now. The referendum in September was approved by an overwhelming majority on September 26 and will now allow everyone who wishes to marry to have the same legal footing, including the same rights to adoption and to sponsor a spouse for citizenship. Supporters of this referendum have also acknowledged that it would be months before same-sex marriage could begin, given the administrative and legislative procedures.