First same-sex {couples} get married in Switzerland | World News

The primary same-sex couples tied the knot in Switzerland on Friday following a referendum that modified the panorama for homosexual rights within the nation.

Among the many first to get married had been Aline, 46, and Laure, 45, who've been collectively for 21 years and transformed their civil union into marriage on the plush Palais Eynard in Geneva.

Beneath a glowing chandelier in a mirrored salon, and with a dozen or so shut family and friends in attendance, the couple exchanged touching phrases recalling their years collectively and love for one another.

Holding arms all through the ceremony, they signed the official paperwork, adopted by their witnesses.

"I'm now more than happy to announce that you're formally married," mentioned the Mayor of Geneva, Marie Barbey-Chappuis, who performed the primary ceremony in particular person.

The room burst into applause because the couple exchanged a kiss.

"It was very shifting. It is a huge second and sends a really robust message to society -- being free to like and be cherished," Barbey-Chappuis instructed AFP afterwards.

"The symbolism was significantly robust and the emotion too.

"It was excessive time that marriage turned completely equal in Switzerland.

"It marks a second within the historical past of Switzerland and of the establishment of marriage."

Switzerland is likely one of the final remaining western European nations to undertake same-sex marriages. The Netherlands was the primary to make the change in 2001.

The Swiss authorities's plans to introduce "marriage for all" had been challenged by opponents, who efficiently triggered a referendum on the problem that was held final September.

However 64.1 p.c of voters backed the introduction of same-sex marriage within the rich Alpine nation.

Switzerland decriminalised homosexuality in 1942. Earlier than Friday, same-sex couples might solely register a civil partnership.

Nevertheless, that standing doesn't present the identical rights as marriage, together with for acquiring citizenship and the joint adoption of kids.

Similar-sex couples can now marry in civil ceremonies and revel in the identical rights as different married couples.

Similar-sex overseas spouses are actually eligible to use for citizenship by means of a simplified process and same-sex couples are actually permitted to undertake collectively.