Switzerland Votes In Favour Of LGBT+ Protection Bill

A referendum was held in Switzerland on whether to introduce laws to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination and the result is a big boost for Switzerland’s LGBT+ community.

According to ‘BBC’, voters have backed the proposal to make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identity illegal in the country. The precise results were 63.1% in favour to 36.9% against.

Pink Cross Switzerland said that “The result proves a strong sign of acceptance for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. After the clear yes, the LGBTI community will use this momentum to achieve the consistent implementation of the penal code and to enforce marriage equality.”

A bill to legalise same-sex marriage in Switzerland is on its way through parliament.

Anna Rosenwasser of the Swiss Lesbian Association hopes that this will help modernise the country and will enhance legal protection. She states that currently suicide rates in the country are high among the LGBT+ community and hopes this will quickly change. “Amongst queer people in Switzerland, it is five times higher compared to heterosexual people. That's quite something, it shows how we are not feeling safe yet.”

Strong opposition from right-wing and religious groups argue that this law will impose on their freedom of speech. “We don't even know if jokes about gays will be allowed," Benjamin Fischer of the right-wing Swiss People's Party told Swiss television.

“Some say yes, some say no they will be punishable. We live in a country with freedom of expression, people should be allowed to think and say what they like, even if it's a bit stupid or tasteless.”

The proposed legislation has the backing of the government and now the backing of the Swiss population.

Read related myGwork articles here:

European Parliament votes to condemn gay conversion therapies

Romania Rules in Favour of Equal LGBT+ Rights Ahead of Referendum

Switzerland Makes It Illegal to Discriminate Against Someone Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

Adoption Agencies In Tennessee Are Now Legally Covered To Discriminate Against Gay Couples

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews

LGBT professionals, LGBT Graduates, LGBT professional network, LGBT professional events, LGBT networking events, LGBT Recruitment, LGBT Friendly organisations, LGBT Friendly companies, LGBT jobs