The majority of Swiss voters have backed the same-sex marriage referendum, according to the initial projection following the nationwide vote.
Switzerland conducted a referendum on Sunday. The projection showed that 64.1% of voters voted in favor of same-sex marriage.
LGBT couples in the country now can enter themselves into registered partnerships. Yet, they still do not enjoy equal rights as married people.
If the amended law for same-sex marriage passes, the LGBT couples in Switzerland would be eligible for civil weddings and other rights just as married couples do, including adopting children and a simplified application for citizenship. Lesbian couples will also be eligible to receive sperm donations.
“We’re extremely relieved, we’re extremely happy,” Olga Baranova, head of the Swiss Marriage rights organization, told Politico following the projection outcome. “This is really a historical day – how accepted LGBT people are in Switzerland.”
