Switzerland's parliament&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;approved a bill Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights.&nbsp;

However, the final say depends on the&nbsp;Swiss themselves&nbsp;as the Christian, ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party has announced that it will ask for the legislation to be put to a referendum.&nbsp;

Switzerland is one of the few European countries where same-sex marriage is not legal. It is at the 25th position in terms of human rights for the&nbsp;LGBT&nbsp;community.&nbsp;

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The country allows same-sex couples to enter into "registered partnerships", but this does not provide the same rights as to marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children.

After being approved by the&nbsp;two chambers of parliament, it moved to&nbsp;parliament 13 years after civil partnerships became legal in Switzerland.

The wording of the bill allows same-sex couples&nbsp;to access sperm donations&nbsp;to conceive children.&nbsp;

Switzerland passed a law specifically protecting lesbian, gay, and bisexual people from discrimination only in February.

Amnesty Switzerland wrote in a tweet,&nbsp;"This is a historic victory for the rights of the LGBTI* Community."

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Endlich ist es soweit: Das Parlament hat in der Schlussabstimmung die <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ehefueralle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ehefueralle</a> beschlossen. Das ist ein historischer Sieg für die Rechte der LGBTI*-Community. Die Schweiz macht wichtige Fortschritte - noch bleibt aber einiges zu tun. 🌈🇨🇭 <a href="https://t.co/gij9ict3au">pic.twitter.com/gij9ict3au</a>
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The Rainbow Families association, set up in 2010 to defend the interests of gay parents in Switzerland, said it was preparing for the issue to be put to a popular vote.

"If the opponents launch a referendum, we're ready," said Matthias Erhardt, deputy president of the national committee specially set up on "marriage for all".&nbsp;

"We have 82 percent of the population behind us and, thanks to the mobilisation of the LBGT community, our partner organisations and the political parties who support us, we will be able to further increase acceptance of LGBT people in society," he said.

Switzerland's parliament on Friday approved a bill Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights.

Switzerland's parliament on Friday approved a bill Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights. However, the final say depends on the Swiss themselves as the Christian, ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party has announced that it will ask for the legislation to be put to a referendum. Switzerland is one of the few European countries where same-sex marriage is not legal. It is at the 25th position in terms of human rights for the LGBT community. The country allows same-sex couples to enter into "registered partnerships", but this does not provide the same rights as to marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children. After being approved by the two chambers of parliament, it moved to parliament 13 years after civil partnerships became legal in Switzerland. The wording of the bill allows same-sex couples to access sperm donations to conceive children. Switzerland passed a law specifically protecting lesbian, gay, and bisexual people from discrimination only in February. Amnesty Switzerland wrote in a tweet, "This is a historic victory for the rights of the LGBTI* Community." Endlich ist es soweit: Das Parlament hat in der Schlussabstimmung die #Ehefueralle beschlossen. Das ist ein historischer Sieg für die Rechte der LGBTI*-Community. Die Schweiz macht wichtige Fortschritte - noch bleibt aber einiges zu tun. 🌈🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/gij9ict3au — Amnesty Schweiz (@Amnesty_Schweiz) December 18, 2020 × The Rainbow Families association, set up in 2010 to defend the interests of gay parents in Switzerland, said it was preparing for the issue to be put to a popular vote. "If the opponents launch a referendum, we're ready," said Matthias Erhardt, deputy president of the national committee specially set up on "marriage for all". "We have 82 percent of the population behind us and, thanks to the mobilisation of the LBGT community, our partner organisations and the political parties who support us, we will be able to further increase acceptance of LGBT people in society," he said.

'Historic victory': Switzerland's parliament approves same-sex marriage

A rare skeleton of a sabre-toothed cat which roamed the northern United States some 37 million years ago is expected to fetch between 60,000 and 80,000 Swiss francs ($66,400 - $88,500) at an auction in Switzerland next week, auction house Piguet said on Tuesday (December 1).

Skeleton of U.S. sabre-toothed tiger to be auctioned in Switzerland 

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads.

Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups

But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. 
The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far".

The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations.

Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies.

Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria.

Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics.

The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly.

Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence.

While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line.

(With AFP inputs)

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide.

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads. Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far". The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations. Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies. Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria. Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics. The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly. Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence. While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss voters reject world's strictest corporate responsibility rules

After France & Austria, Switzerland has reported a suspected act of terror. A 28-year-old 'Jihadist' attacked two women with a knife at a departmental store in Lugano. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Jihadist' knife attack in Switzerland

Switzerland is witnessing a second wave of coronavirus infections, nearly 5000 new cases reported daily. While neighboring countries has implied strict measures, Switzerland has implied moderate measures so as to make sure people are able to move on and learn to live with COVID 19.

Switzerland witnesses second wave of COVID-19

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union.

The UK government said its arrangement with the European Free Trade Association — which also includes Iceland and Liechtenstein — would keep "the vast majority" of their trade tariff-free on January 1.

The EFTA countries are outside the EU. Three of them pay to ensure access to the bloc's single market under an overarching partnership called the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland has its own patchwork of deals with the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-is-ready-to-negotiate-but-uk-says-its-meaningless-to-resume-talks-336494">Also read|&nbsp;EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks</a>

Britain, after this year, will lie outside the single market but is engaged in tough talks with Brussels for a new trading partnership.

"We have agreed with the EEA-EFTA states that we will put in place a continuity deal to ensure that trade flows continue at the end of the year," a source at the UK's Department for International Trade told AFP.&nbsp;

"This is a temporary arrangement whilst we finalise the more ambitious FTA we are negotiating," the source said, claiming "excellent progress" towards a free trade agreement with the EFTA bloc next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-house-of-lords-rejects-brexit-bill-big-blow-to-boris-johnsons-government-336801">Also read|&nbsp;UK House of Lords rejects Brexit bill; big blow to Boris Johnson’s government</a>

Norway on Wednesday confirmed a temporary trade pact with Britain to take effect on January 1, after the two countries last month agreed a side deal on fishing rights.

Fisheries were one of the main stumbling blocks holding up a UK-EU deal as talks resumed on Thursday. If no deal is done, Britain and the EU will revert to more onerous trading terms governed by the World Trade Organization.

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Britain said Thursday it had agreed a provisional trade deal with Norway, Switzerland and two other non-EU partners to ensure continuity after its Brexit divorce from the European Union. The UK government said its arrangement with the European Free Trade Association — which also includes Iceland and Liechtenstein — would keep "the vast majority" of their trade tariff-free on January 1. The EFTA countries are outside the EU. Three of them pay to ensure access to the bloc's single market under an overarching partnership called the European Economic Area (EEA). Switzerland has its own patchwork of deals with the EU. Also read| EU is ready to negotiate. But UK says it's meaningless to resume talks Britain, after this year, will lie outside the single market but is engaged in tough talks with Brussels for a new trading partnership. "We have agreed with the EEA-EFTA states that we will put in place a continuity deal to ensure that trade flows continue at the end of the year," a source at the UK's Department for International Trade told AFP. "This is a temporary arrangement whilst we finalise the more ambitious FTA we are negotiating," the source said, claiming "excellent progress" towards a free trade agreement with the EFTA bloc next year. Also read| UK House of Lords rejects Brexit bill; big blow to Boris Johnson’s government Norway on Wednesday confirmed a temporary trade pact with Britain to take effect on January 1, after the two countries last month agreed a side deal on fishing rights. Fisheries were one of the main stumbling blocks holding up a UK-EU deal as talks resumed on Thursday. If no deal is done, Britain and the EU will revert to more onerous trading terms governed by the World Trade Organization.

UK seals temporary Brexit trade deal with EFTA nations

A couple in Switzerland has named their daughter Twifia, after the popular internet provider&nbsp;Twifi, and they have been rewarded with free Wi-Fi for the next 18 years.

Twifi is an internet service provider company in Switzerland which has started a campaign in which couples are being encouraged to name their kids using the brand's name. The campaign is also featured on their website that read,&nbsp;"Simply upload a photo of your child's civil birth certificate. After verification, Twifi will give you 18 years of free internet."&nbsp;(translated text)

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The offer was taken up by a couple, aged 30 and 35, who named their daughter Twifia.&nbsp;However, the couple claims that the name didn't sound odd to them. "The longer I thought about it, the more unique the name became for me, and that was when the thing got its charm," the&nbsp;husband&nbsp;said.

The wife,&nbsp;however,&nbsp;said it took her more time, in comparison to her partner, to agree to adding the name 'Twifia'&nbsp;to her daughter's full name. However, she also added that for them the name has a superior meaning too. "For me, the name Twifia also stands for connection in this context. For an eternal bond.

"There are much worse names. And the more often we say 'Twifia', the heartier the name sounds."

Sadly, the couple has decided to stay anonymous as they feel the pressure of being judged for naming their child after a service provider.&nbsp;"We want to remain anonymous to those around us because we don't want to justify ourselves.&nbsp;

"Because the accusation of having sold our child's name hits us very hard. We are also a little ashamed."

The company's owner,&nbsp;Philippe Fotsch, meanwhile has asured people that he will personally pay for their Wi-Fi under this campaign even if his company goes broke or shuts down.

A couple in Switzerland has named their daughter Twifia, after the popular internet provider Twifi, and they have been rewarded with free Wi-Fi for the next 18 years.

A couple in Switzerland has named their daughter Twifia, after the popular internet provider Twifi, and they have been rewarded with free Wi-Fi for the next 18 years. Twifi is an internet service provider company in Switzerland which has started a campaign in which couples are being encouraged to name their kids using the brand's name. The campaign is also featured on their website that read, "Simply upload a photo of your child's civil birth certificate. After verification, Twifi will give you 18 years of free internet." (translated text) The offer was taken up by a couple, aged 30 and 35, who named their daughter Twifia. However, the couple claims that the name didn't sound odd to them. "The longer I thought about it, the more unique the name became for me, and that was when the thing got its charm," the husband said. The wife, however, said it took her more time, in comparison to her partner, to agree to adding the name 'Twifia' to her daughter's full name. However, she also added that for them the name has a superior meaning too. "For me, the name Twifia also stands for connection in this context. For an eternal bond. "There are much worse names. And the more often we say 'Twifia', the heartier the name sounds." Sadly, the couple has decided to stay anonymous as they feel the pressure of being judged for naming their child after a service provider. "We want to remain anonymous to those around us because we don't want to justify ourselves. "Because the accusation of having sold our child's name hits us very hard. We are also a little ashamed." The company's owner, Philippe Fotsch, meanwhile has asured people that he will personally pay for their Wi-Fi under this campaign even if his company goes broke or shuts down.

Baby girl named after internet provider gets 18-years of free WiFi

Switzerland has arrested four people on suspicions of links with the Jihadist organisations&nbsp;Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group.

The four suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested while the authorities were conducting sear operations in the&nbsp;canton of Fribourg in western Switzerland.

Out of the four, three are from Kosovo and one is from&nbsp;Macedonia. None of them have been identified in the public by the authorities yet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-10th-suspected-al-qaeda-terrorist-from-bengals-murshidabad-330587">Also read:&nbsp;NIA arrests 10th suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist from Bengal’s Murshidabad</a>

The attorney general's office, or MPC, said that due to the high risk of collusion, "the house searches and arrests were all carried out simultaneously."

The four suspects were arrested on the charges of defying the law which prohibits locals from establishing any ties with&nbsp;both Al-Qaeda and IS and related organisations, as well as supporting or being members of a criminal organisation.

The news broke out after the four suspects had already been questions, and two of them — the 28-year-old Kosovar woman and the 29-year-old Macedonian man — had been released. However,&nbsp;a 26-year-old Kosovar man and a 29-year old Swiss-Kosovar dual national are still in custody of the authorities.

Switzerland has arrested four people on suspicions of links with the Jihadist organisations Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group. The four suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested while the authorities were conducting sear operations in the canton of Fribourg in western Switzerland.

Switzerland has arrested four people on suspicions of links with the Jihadist organisations Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group. The four suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested while the authorities were conducting sear operations in the canton of Fribourg in western Switzerland. Out of the four, three are from Kosovo and one is from Macedonia. None of them have been identified in the public by the authorities yet. Also read: NIA arrests 10th suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist from Bengal’s Murshidabad The attorney general's office, or MPC, said that due to the high risk of collusion, "the house searches and arrests were all carried out simultaneously." The four suspects were arrested on the charges of defying the law which prohibits locals from establishing any ties with both Al-Qaeda and IS and related organisations, as well as supporting or being members of a criminal organisation. The news broke out after the four suspects had already been questions, and two of them — the 28-year-old Kosovar woman and the 29-year-old Macedonian man — had been released. However, a 26-year-old Kosovar man and a 29-year old Swiss-Kosovar dual national are still in custody of the authorities.

Switzerland questions four with suspected links to Al-Qaeda, IS; two released

Several hundred demonstrators called Wednesday on Swiss middle schools to stop shaming girls who violate dress codes banning "indecent" clothes, after one school forced students to wear a "T-shirt of Shame".

Crowds of mostly women and girls, some wearing shorts, miniskirts and crop-tops, gathered in front of the Pinchat middle school on the outskirts of Geneva demanding an end to the "sexism" of its dress code.

"Humiliation is not a form of education", one placard read, pictures in local media showed. Another demanded that school officials "fix your sexism before you fix my outfit".

The demonstration came in response to revelations last week that the school on the first day after the summer holidays had forced a number of students to put on an oversized t-shirt over clothing that was deemed inappropriate.

The so-called "T-shirt of Shame", which was imposed on two boys and 10 girls at the school, carries the name of the school and the words: "I'm wearing an appropriate outfit" under a drawing of a thumbs-up.

The story came to light after the mother of one of the girls complained to school authorities in Geneva canton, charging that the school administration had "abused its power ... to humiliate, denigrate and stigmatise young girls", Swiss media reported.

The school had responded by insisting that the rules requiring students to wear "correct and appropriate" attire were applied "independent of sex".

Critics however charge that such rules, which exist at most middle schools, rely on subjective assessments of what should be considered appropriate.

Marjorie de Chastonay, a Geneva parliamentarian with the Greens, compared the use of the T-shirt to a "public lynching aimed at stigmatising girls".

Speaking to public broadcaster RTS last week, she slammed the decision to rely on "an inadequate law that promotes structural sexism instead of on paedagogy that raises awareness among boys of the issue.

Wednesday's protest demanded that Geneva school authorities force middle schools to halt stigmatising dress code enforcement.

One sign at the protest asked: "When will there be a T-shirt of shame for teachers who sexualise their students?"&nbsp;

The Swiss protest came after girls across neighbouring France earlier this month staged protests by dressing "provocatively" to denounce the "sexism" of similar rules there.

Several hundred demonstrators called Wednesday on Swiss middle schools to stop shaming girls who violate dress codes banning "indecent" clothes, after one school forced students to wear a "T-shirt of Shame".

Several hundred demonstrators called Wednesday on Swiss middle schools to stop shaming girls who violate dress codes banning "indecent" clothes, after one school forced students to wear a "T-shirt of Shame". Crowds of mostly women and girls, some wearing shorts, miniskirts and crop-tops, gathered in front of the Pinchat middle school on the outskirts of Geneva demanding an end to the "sexism" of its dress code. "Humiliation is not a form of education", one placard read, pictures in local media showed. Another demanded that school officials "fix your sexism before you fix my outfit". The demonstration came in response to revelations last week that the school on the first day after the summer holidays had forced a number of students to put on an oversized t-shirt over clothing that was deemed inappropriate. The so-called "T-shirt of Shame", which was imposed on two boys and 10 girls at the school, carries the name of the school and the words: "I'm wearing an appropriate outfit" under a drawing of a thumbs-up. The story came to light after the mother of one of the girls complained to school authorities in Geneva canton, charging that the school administration had "abused its power ... to humiliate, denigrate and stigmatise young girls", Swiss media reported. The school had responded by insisting that the rules requiring students to wear "correct and appropriate" attire were applied "independent of sex". Critics however charge that such rules, which exist at most middle schools, rely on subjective assessments of what should be considered appropriate. Marjorie de Chastonay, a Geneva parliamentarian with the Greens, compared the use of the T-shirt to a "public lynching aimed at stigmatising girls". Speaking to public broadcaster RTS last week, she slammed the decision to rely on "an inadequate law that promotes structural sexism instead of on paedagogy that raises awareness among boys of the issue. Wednesday's protest demanded that Geneva school authorities force middle schools to halt stigmatising dress code enforcement. One sign at the protest asked: "When will there be a T-shirt of shame for teachers who sexualise their students?" The Swiss protest came after girls across neighbouring France earlier this month staged protests by dressing "provocatively" to denounce the "sexism" of similar rules there.

Swiss middle schoolers protest over 'shaming' dress code enforcement

Geneva voted in favor of a minimum hourly wage of 23 francs ($25), once implemented this would be the world’s highest minimum wage. 
 
This is the latest effort in Switzerland to ensure people are able to live decently from their salary. 
 
This is well above the current highest minimum wage in the world, which is Australia’s $19.84 per hour. 
 
Switzerland as a whole has no minimum wage, and voters in 2014 turned down a chance to adopt one at a national level. Geneva voters themselves have twice previously rejected calls to introduce a minimum wage in the city. 
 
The result made Geneva the third of Switzerland's 26 cantons to set a minimum hourly earnings rate after Jura and Neuchatel. 
 
Nearly 58% of voters in the canton, or state, backed the measure designed to “combat poverty” and “respect human dignity,” according to data published on the government’s website.&nbsp; 
 
More than 300,000 people commute from France to work in the Switzerland each day, with the biggest contingent in the Lake Geneva region.&nbsp; 
 
The cost of living in Switzerland is high, and cross-border commuters sometimes get blamed for undercutting locals on wages.

(With inputs from agencies)

Geneva voted in favor of a minimum hourly wage of 23 francs ($25), once implemented this would be the world’s highest minimum wage. This is the latest effort in Switzerland to ensure people are able to live decently from their salary.

Geneva voted in favor of a minimum hourly wage of 23 francs ($25), once implemented this would be the world’s highest minimum wage. This is the latest effort in Switzerland to ensure people are able to live decently from their salary. This is well above the current highest minimum wage in the world, which is Australia’s $19.84 per hour. Switzerland as a whole has no minimum wage, and voters in 2014 turned down a chance to adopt one at a national level. Geneva voters themselves have twice previously rejected calls to introduce a minimum wage in the city. The result made Geneva the third of Switzerland's 26 cantons to set a minimum hourly earnings rate after Jura and Neuchatel. Nearly 58% of voters in the canton, or state, backed the measure designed to “combat poverty” and “respect human dignity,” according to data published on the government’s website. More than 300,000 people commute from France to work in the Switzerland each day, with the biggest contingent in the Lake Geneva region. The cost of living in Switzerland is high, and cross-border commuters sometimes get blamed for undercutting locals on wages. (With inputs from agencies)

Geneva voters say 'yes' to ‘world’s highest’ minimum wage as wealth gap widens

Switzerland voters are set to decide on whether to make it easier to shoot the predators in a highly contested referendum that has farmers and wolf advocates baring their teeth.

Switzerland to hold key vote on future of wolves

Swiss voters will decide the fate of EU citizens along with four other more nationally focused referendums. Watch report.

Will Switzerland end EU freedom of movement? | World News

Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to annul a pact with the European Union on the free movement of people, an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population.

The right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) - the biggest in parliament - has led the charge to take back control of immigration, echoing some of the arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain's exit from the EU.

But a gfs.bern poll found 63 per cent of respondents oppose the SVP proposal and 35&nbsp;per cent support it, suggesting voters want stability at a time of economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic.

The SVP paints a gloomy picture of young foreigners supplanting older Swiss, housing getting dearer, schools and transport getting overcrowded and construction running wild.

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Opponents say the plan would rob business of skilled workers and torpedo accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland's access to the EU single market.

A "guillotine clause" means ending free movement would topple other bilateral pacts on land and air transport, procurement, technical barriers to trade, and research.

Citizens of the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), made up 68&nbsp;per cent of the 2.1 million resident foreigners in 2019. More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU.

Should the referendum drive, as expected, fail, the government can turn to its biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty that would cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereign

Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to annul a pact with the European Union on the free movement of people, an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population.

Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to annul a pact with the European Union on the free movement of people, an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population. The right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) - the biggest in parliament - has led the charge to take back control of immigration, echoing some of the arguments pro-Brexit politicians used in the run-up to Britain's exit from the EU. But a gfs.bern poll found 63 per cent of respondents oppose the SVP proposal and 35 per cent support it, suggesting voters want stability at a time of economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic. The SVP paints a gloomy picture of young foreigners supplanting older Swiss, housing getting dearer, schools and transport getting overcrowded and construction running wild. × Opponents say the plan would rob business of skilled workers and torpedo accords that enhance non-EU member Switzerland's access to the EU single market. A "guillotine clause" means ending free movement would topple other bilateral pacts on land and air transport, procurement, technical barriers to trade, and research. Citizens of the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, which with Switzerland are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), made up 68 per cent of the 2.1 million resident foreigners in 2019. More than 450,000 Swiss live in the EU. Should the referendum drive, as expected, fail, the government can turn to its biggest foreign policy headache: a stalled treaty that would cement ties with the EU but which critics say infringes too much on Swiss sovereign

Swiss voters to decide on EU immigration pact

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday.

The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018.

The two sides have since made sporadic prisoner swaps, but the release of hundreds of loyalists and insurgents -- if it materializes -- would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014.

"A deal to exchange 1,081 prisoners has been reached," a member of the government delegation told AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-woman-among-casualties-in-nagorny-karabakh-heavy-fighting-330622">Also read:&nbsp;Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting</a>

The deal includes the release of "681 rebels, and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and 4 Sudanese", added the source.

"It must be implemented in two weeks," he said. &nbsp;

A Huthi source close to the talks confirmed to rebel-run Al-Masirah TV channel that this round of the talks was due to end Sunday with the announcement of the agreement.

The talks started in an undisclosed location in Switzerland on September 18 aimed at agreeing the release of 1,420 prisoners. Among them is the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

But the release of General Nasser Mansour Hadi from the hands of the rebels "has been postponed," according to the government delegation member.&nbsp;

The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee the return of detainees to their families.

Senior rebel commander Moahmed Ali Al-Huthi tweeted: "What matters to us is implementing the deal, not only signing it."

The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday. The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018.

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday. The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018. The two sides have since made sporadic prisoner swaps, but the release of hundreds of loyalists and insurgents -- if it materializes -- would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014. "A deal to exchange 1,081 prisoners has been reached," a member of the government delegation told AFP on condition of anonymity. Also read: Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting The deal includes the release of "681 rebels, and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and 4 Sudanese", added the source. "It must be implemented in two weeks," he said. A Huthi source close to the talks confirmed to rebel-run Al-Masirah TV channel that this round of the talks was due to end Sunday with the announcement of the agreement. The talks started in an undisclosed location in Switzerland on September 18 aimed at agreeing the release of 1,420 prisoners. Among them is the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. But the release of General Nasser Mansour Hadi from the hands of the rebels "has been postponed," according to the government delegation member. The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee the return of detainees to their families. Senior rebel commander Moahmed Ali Al-Huthi tweeted: "What matters to us is implementing the deal, not only signing it." The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen prisoner swap agreed: govt, rebel sources

Switzerland is facing a unique dilemma, it wants to buy fighter jets worth $6.6 billion, but it has no enemies to fight.

Gravitas: Can Switzerland do without fighter jets?

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets.

Why is Switzerland holding a referendum on purchasing fighter jets?

Climate activists staged a protest near one of the melting glaciers in Europe's Alps mountain range on Sunday (September 6).

Climate activists mourn receding glaciers in the Alps

Climate activists gathered at the Trient glacier on Sunday to call attention to the impact of climate change on Switzerland's natural landscape. They urged authorities to take action to reduce CO2 emissions and draw attention to the disappearance of ice shelves and glaciers in the Alps and beyond.

More than 200 people gathered at the foot of the Trient glacier, situated along one of Western Europe's tallest mountain ranges, the Mont Blanc massif.

Their protest came one day before the Swiss parliament begins debating new legislation on reducing CO2 emissions.

Sitting at an altitude of 3,000-3,2000 metres, the Trient glacier has already receded by more than 1,000 metres over the last 30 years.

Switzerland's Turtmann Glacier in the same canton as Trient, split in two last month, losing 300,000 cubic metres in a dramatic collapse caught on camera.

The government says 90% of the 1,500 glaciers remaining -- including Trient -- will go by the end of the century if nothing is done to cut emissions.

"What we are asking, in the name of the Climate Alliance, is that strong political decisions be taken so that CO2 emissions can be lowered 60% by 2030," said an activist.

Climate activists gathered at the Trient glacier on Sunday to call attention to the impact of climate change on Switzerland's natural landscape. They urged authorities to take action to reduce CO2 emissions and draw attention to the disappearance of ice shelves and glaciers in the Alps and beyond.

Climate activists gathered at the Trient glacier on Sunday to call attention to the impact of climate change on Switzerland's natural landscape. They urged authorities to take action to reduce CO2 emissions and draw attention to the disappearance of ice shelves and glaciers in the Alps and beyond. More than 200 people gathered at the foot of the Trient glacier, situated along one of Western Europe's tallest mountain ranges, the Mont Blanc massif. Their protest came one day before the Swiss parliament begins debating new legislation on reducing CO2 emissions. Sitting at an altitude of 3,000-3,2000 metres, the Trient glacier has already receded by more than 1,000 metres over the last 30 years. Switzerland's Turtmann Glacier in the same canton as Trient, split in two last month, losing 300,000 cubic metres in a dramatic collapse caught on camera. The government says 90% of the 1,500 glaciers remaining -- including Trient -- will go by the end of the century if nothing is done to cut emissions. "What we are asking, in the name of the Climate Alliance, is that strong political decisions be taken so that CO2 emissions can be lowered 60% by 2030," said an activist.

Climate activists gather at Trient glacier to mourn Switzerland's receding ice

A Swiss cheesemaker is being invstigated for deaths of 10 people, who fell sick after consuming&nbsp;his listeria-infested dairy products.

Cheese is one of the most popular dairy products consumed in the European countries, especially Switzerland. However, nobody would have predicted that a string of cheese can end up killing someone.

Teh cheesemaker from Switzerland is facing the possibility of jailtime for the crime of negligent homicide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwanese-street-vendor-recognised-by-michelin-after-almost-20-years-323203">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwanese street vendor recognised by Michelin after almost 20 years</a>

According to local authorities, the cheesemaker, based out of the central Swiss canton of Schwyz, sold a strain of listeria that has made at least 34 people ill over the years. "10 of the 34 sick people died,"&nbsp;Franziska Steiner, public prosecutor in the Innerschwyz sub-region said.

He is being accused of&nbsp;negligent homicide, causing bodily harm and violating Swiss food safety laws. However, the prosecutors are still trying to figure out if the cheesemaker can be held responsible for the illnesses caused to the customers as listeria, which is a common bacteria, does not harm majority of common people.

The cheesemaker has claimed that his business has faced serious troubles since the start of the allegations.

A decision on whether he can be held criminally responsible will be taken soon.

A Swiss cheesemaker is being invstigated for deaths of 10 people, who fell sick after consuming his listeria-infested dairy products. Cheese is one of the most popular dairy products consumed in the European countries, especially Switzerland.

A Swiss cheesemaker is being invstigated for deaths of 10 people, who fell sick after consuming his listeria-infested dairy products. Cheese is one of the most popular dairy products consumed in the European countries, especially Switzerland. However, nobody would have predicted that a string of cheese can end up killing someone. Teh cheesemaker from Switzerland is facing the possibility of jailtime for the crime of negligent homicide. Also read: Taiwanese street vendor recognised by Michelin after almost 20 years According to local authorities, the cheesemaker, based out of the central Swiss canton of Schwyz, sold a strain of listeria that has made at least 34 people ill over the years. "10 of the 34 sick people died," Franziska Steiner, public prosecutor in the Innerschwyz sub-region said. He is being accused of negligent homicide, causing bodily harm and violating Swiss food safety laws. However, the prosecutors are still trying to figure out if the cheesemaker can be held responsible for the illnesses caused to the customers as listeria, which is a common bacteria, does not harm majority of common people. The cheesemaker has claimed that his business has faced serious troubles since the start of the allegations. A decision on whether he can be held criminally responsible will be taken soon.

Swiss cheesemaker faces investigation for deaths of 10 customers

China is "straying away" from the path of openness and West will respond more decisively if it continues to do the same, Switzerland's foreign minister told a Sunday newspaper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sends-team-of-seven-to-hong-kong-to-do-widespread-coronavirus-testing-317595" hreflang="en">China sends team of seven to Hong Kong to do widespread coronavirus testing</a>

According to Ignazio Cassis, economic liberalisation has not matched with political liberalisation and human rights breaches are on the rise.&nbsp;

"We are seeing China stray from the path of openness," he told SonntagsBlick.&nbsp;

"This means that Switzerland, too, must defend its interests and values more robustly, for example by strengthening international law and the multilateral system."

Cassis said that Switzerland established a "constructive but critical" relationship with Beijing 70 years ago.&nbsp;

"The rule of law and human rights have always been part of our dialogue," he said.

Cassis added: "Now we realise that the story is more turbulent than we thought. Human rights violations are on the increase. We want to protect these rights."

Beijing's actions against Hong Kong has drawn criticism across the globe and the new national security law has increased its control over the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

Hong Kong is guaranteed certain freedoms and autonomy in a "One Country, Two Systems" deal agreed ahead of its 1997 handover from Britain.

"If China abandons the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in the case of Hong Kong, it also affects many Swiss companies that have invested there," said Cassis.

"If China sticks to its new course, the Western world will react more decisively."

China is "straying away" from the path of openness and West will respond more decisively if it continues to do the same, Switzerland's foreign minister told a Sunday newspaper.

China is "straying away" from the path of openness and West will respond more decisively if it continues to do the same, Switzerland's foreign minister told a Sunday newspaper. Also read: China sends team of seven to Hong Kong to do widespread coronavirus testing According to Ignazio Cassis, economic liberalisation has not matched with political liberalisation and human rights breaches are on the rise. "We are seeing China stray from the path of openness," he told SonntagsBlick. "This means that Switzerland, too, must defend its interests and values more robustly, for example by strengthening international law and the multilateral system." Cassis said that Switzerland established a "constructive but critical" relationship with Beijing 70 years ago. "The rule of law and human rights have always been part of our dialogue," he said. Cassis added: "Now we realise that the story is more turbulent than we thought. Human rights violations are on the increase. We want to protect these rights." Beijing's actions against Hong Kong has drawn criticism across the globe and the new national security law has increased its control over the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong is guaranteed certain freedoms and autonomy in a "One Country, Two Systems" deal agreed ahead of its 1997 handover from Britain. "If China abandons the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle in the case of Hong Kong, it also affects many Swiss companies that have invested there," said Cassis. "If China sticks to its new course, the Western world will react more decisively."

China 'straying away' from path to openness, says Swiss Foreign Minister

Swiss acrobat Freddy Nock walked blindfolded and rode a bike at an altitude of 3000m as part of a performance done by artists on Tuesday (June 23), to highlight struggles amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Swiss artists break records, suspended above mountains to highlight COVID-19 struggles

A Sri Lankan journalist working for The New York Times has said police raided her home and seized her laptop over the alleged kidnapping of a Swiss embassy staffer last year. 
 
A diplomatic row erupted in late November after the Swiss embassy said the woman was abducted and&nbsp;sexually assaulted by unidentified attackers. 
 
Her alleged kidnap came a day after a Sri Lankan police inspector investigating cases involving the powerful Rajapaksa family -- who returned to power in November -- sought asylum in Switzerland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-conducts-second-mock-poll-election-commission-satisfied-with-preparations-305799" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka conducts second mock poll; election commission satisfied with preparations</a> 
 
Dharisha Bastians -- a New York Times correspondent and former chief editor of the Sunday Observer, a local newspaper -- said that police raided her home in the capital Colombo last Tuesday. 
 
"Five CID (Criminal Investigation Department) officials arrived at my residence in Colombo with a warrant to search the house... my computer was found, seized and sealed," she tweeted on Monday. 
 
Bastians said police earlier also obtained her mobile phone call records and "exposed the information".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-further-relaxes-covid-19-curfew-305660" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka further relaxes COVID-19 curfew</a>&nbsp; 
 
"As a journalist, I was horrified at the public exposure of my telephone records, which could seriously endanger and compromise my sources and contacts, then, now and in the future." 
 
Police had alleged Bastians was in contact with the embassy staffer, who is on bail over government allegations that she fabricated her claims. 
 
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in December her claims were concocted to discredit his election victory the previous month. 
 
Bastians left the country after Rajapaksa came to power.

A Sri Lankan journalist working for The New York Times has said police raided her home and seized her laptop over the alleged kidnapping of a Swiss embassy staffer last year.

A Sri Lankan journalist working for The New York Times has said police raided her home and seized her laptop over the alleged kidnapping of a Swiss embassy staffer last year. A diplomatic row erupted in late November after the Swiss embassy said the woman was abducted and sexually assaulted by unidentified attackers. Her alleged kidnap came a day after a Sri Lankan police inspector investigating cases involving the powerful Rajapaksa family -- who returned to power in November -- sought asylum in Switzerland. Also read: Sri Lanka conducts second mock poll; election commission satisfied with preparations Dharisha Bastians -- a New York Times correspondent and former chief editor of the Sunday Observer, a local newspaper -- said that police raided her home in the capital Colombo last Tuesday. "Five CID (Criminal Investigation Department) officials arrived at my residence in Colombo with a warrant to search the house... my computer was found, seized and sealed," she tweeted on Monday. Bastians said police earlier also obtained her mobile phone call records and "exposed the information". Also read: Sri Lanka further relaxes COVID-19 curfew "As a journalist, I was horrified at the public exposure of my telephone records, which could seriously endanger and compromise my sources and contacts, then, now and in the future." Police had alleged Bastians was in contact with the embassy staffer, who is on bail over government allegations that she fabricated her claims. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in December her claims were concocted to discredit his election victory the previous month. Bastians left the country after Rajapaksa came to power.

Sri Lanka police seize journalist's laptop over Swiss kidnap claim

Last year, half a million Swiss protesters marched to highlight the nation's poor record on women's rights.

Switzerland: Women protests, sing and scream for equal pay

Women across Switzerland let loose with screams during a national protest on Sunday, demanding equal treatment and an end to violence at the hands of men.

Last year half a million people marched to highlight the nation's poor record on women's rights. This year`s version of what organisers call the Women`s Strike was more subdued given coronavirus restrictions.

"For me it is emotional. Because I scream for me, but I also scream for my sisters and brothers, I scream for all the other children who lost a mother or a father, and I also scream for my mother, who would have screamed if she was still here," said Roxanne Errico, a 19-year-old student who said her mother was killed by her violent boyfriend.

Another Geneva resident,&nbsp;Rose-Angela Gramoni, said she had joined all the women's strikes since 1991.

"Now I can die in peace, the next generation is here to take over. But for a while, I was very sad. I thought we fought for many things, but we did not finish the job and nobody was here to finish it," said Gramoni, who is in her 70s.

Switzerland has a high quality of life but lags other developed economies in women's pay and workplace equality. Women earn roughly a fifth less than men, better than 30 years ago when it was about a third less, but worse than in 2000, according to government data.

Thousands of marchers in Geneva and other Swiss cities screamed for a minute at 3:24 p.m. -- the time of day when women technically start working for free given the wage gap.

They also staged a flash mob and held a minute's silence for women killed by husbands or boyfriends.

Demonstrators decried violence against women and the LGBT community, and called for recognition of often unpaid work caring for family and relatives.

"I would love to walk at night wearing a skirt, shorts or leggings without being insulted, without being scared to be raped," said Geneva resident Vani&nbsp;Niuti,&nbsp;20.

Women across Switzerland let loose with screams during a national protest on Sunday, demanding equal treatment and an end to violence at the hands of men. Last year half a million people marched to highlight the nation's poor record on women's rights.

Women across Switzerland let loose with screams during a national protest on Sunday, demanding equal treatment and an end to violence at the hands of men. Last year half a million people marched to highlight the nation's poor record on women's rights. This year`s version of what organisers call the Women`s Strike was more subdued given coronavirus restrictions. "For me it is emotional. Because I scream for me, but I also scream for my sisters and brothers, I scream for all the other children who lost a mother or a father, and I also scream for my mother, who would have screamed if she was still here," said Roxanne Errico, a 19-year-old student who said her mother was killed by her violent boyfriend. Another Geneva resident, Rose-Angela Gramoni, said she had joined all the women's strikes since 1991. "Now I can die in peace, the next generation is here to take over. But for a while, I was very sad. I thought we fought for many things, but we did not finish the job and nobody was here to finish it," said Gramoni, who is in her 70s. Switzerland has a high quality of life but lags other developed economies in women's pay and workplace equality. Women earn roughly a fifth less than men, better than 30 years ago when it was about a third less, but worse than in 2000, according to government data. Thousands of marchers in Geneva and other Swiss cities screamed for a minute at 3:24 p.m. -- the time of day when women technically start working for free given the wage gap. They also staged a flash mob and held a minute's silence for women killed by husbands or boyfriends. Demonstrators decried violence against women and the LGBT community, and called for recognition of often unpaid work caring for family and relatives. "I would love to walk at night wearing a skirt, shorts or leggings without being insulted, without being scared to be raped," said Geneva resident Vani Niuti, 20.

Swiss women get loud to demand equal treatment

Geneva's 129-year-old famous Jet d'Eau fountain burst back to life on Thursday (June 11), marking the end of the third phase of softening the city's coronavirus lockdown measures.

'A kind of release': Geneva's Jet d'Eau fountain bursts back to life

Swiss police have investigated an eight-year-old boy after he allegedly asked whether he could use a toy banknote in a village shop.

The fake euro note was Chinese joss paper “spirit money”, used as symbolic burnt offerings at funerals to ensure the dead have a happy afterlife, according to the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper.

The unnamed boy was not charged with any offence but his name will reportedly be on police records until May 2032.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-donkey-arrested-in-pakistan-for-participating-in-gambling-304846" hreflang="en">Watch: Donkey arrested in Pakistan for 'participating in gambling'</a>

The pretend euros had been distributed in early March at the Sissach town carnival in the northern Basel-Landschaft region, where Swiss francs are the official currency. The notes, printed on ordinary paper and featuring blue Chinese characters, were picked up by children, said the BaZ.

At the end of April, the boy, his 10-year-old brother and the girl next door went to their local village shop in nearby Dietgen, where the younger brother asked if he could use the note, the report said.

Even though the note was clearly identified as pretend money, shop staff felt obliged to call the police. “It is our policy; we were instructed to do so by the headquarters in Winterthur,” BaZ quoted store manager Tanja Baumann as saying.

On 28 May, the police contacted the boy’s parents and visited their home for three hours the following day.

They brought along stills from surveillance footage, including one of the boy and the girl standing at the till, the report said.

A spokesman for the Basel-Landschaft police said: “We were informed that children with a bundle of counterfeit euro notes tried to buy goods. There was therefore suspicion of counterfeit money being put into circulation.”

He said the investigating officer had to determine whether the fake money was used deliberately and whether the children were punishable by law.

The brothers had mug shots taken, said the BaZ.

And their house was searched for further toy money: three 50-euro notes, two 20-euro notes, five 10-euro notes and three five-euro notes were seized on the grounds of preventing crime, it reported.

Swiss police have investigated an eight-year-old boy after he allegedly asked whether he could use a toy banknote in a village shop. The fake euro note was Chinese joss paper “spirit money”, used as symbolic burnt offerings at funerals to ensure the dead have a happy afterlife, according to the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper.

Swiss police have investigated an eight-year-old boy after he allegedly asked whether he could use a toy banknote in a village shop. The fake euro note was Chinese joss paper “spirit money”, used as symbolic burnt offerings at funerals to ensure the dead have a happy afterlife, according to the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper. The unnamed boy was not charged with any offence but his name will reportedly be on police records until May 2032. Watch: Donkey arrested in Pakistan for 'participating in gambling' The pretend euros had been distributed in early March at the Sissach town carnival in the northern Basel-Landschaft region, where Swiss francs are the official currency. The notes, printed on ordinary paper and featuring blue Chinese characters, were picked up by children, said the BaZ. At the end of April, the boy, his 10-year-old brother and the girl next door went to their local village shop in nearby Dietgen, where the younger brother asked if he could use the note, the report said. Even though the note was clearly identified as pretend money, shop staff felt obliged to call the police. “It is our policy; we were instructed to do so by the headquarters in Winterthur,” BaZ quoted store manager Tanja Baumann as saying. On 28 May, the police contacted the boy’s parents and visited their home for three hours the following day. They brought along stills from surveillance footage, including one of the boy and the girl standing at the till, the report said. A spokesman for the Basel-Landschaft police said: “We were informed that children with a bundle of counterfeit euro notes tried to buy goods. There was therefore suspicion of counterfeit money being put into circulation.” He said the investigating officer had to determine whether the fake money was used deliberately and whether the children were punishable by law. The brothers had mug shots taken, said the BaZ. And their house was searched for further toy money: three 50-euro notes, two 20-euro notes, five 10-euro notes and three five-euro notes were seized on the grounds of preventing crime, it reported.

Swiss police investigates 8-year-old boy over toy banknotes

When civil partnerships were legalised in Switzerland in January 2007, gay couple Laurent Marmier and Yves Bugnon completed the paperwork that same month, making them among the first to take advantage of the new law.

Thirteen years later, they hope a parliamentary vote on Wednesday will open the door for them to finally get married and enjoy full equality with heterosexual couples.

"We don't have the same rights, not quite. And this is what is bothering us," said Bugnon, a music teacher in the French-speaking city of Lausanne.

Conservative Switzerland lags many countries in Western Europe on gay rights and is slowly catching up. In February, voters backed an anti-homophobia law giving lesbians, gays and bisexuals legal protection from discrimination.

A survey commissioned by gay rights association Pink Cross showed more than 80% of Swiss support same-sex marriage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-prince-andrew-facing-lawsuit-over-swiss-chalet-297321">Also read |&nbsp;Britain's Prince Andrew facing lawsuit over Swiss chalet</a>

However, the country's political institutions tend to be more conservative than the general public, Socialist lawmaker Mathias Reynard told Reuters. "Swiss people are in favour – but everything takes time."

The same-sex marriage proposal is expected to pass the lower house but it will still have to clear the upper house. Then, in line with Switzerland's direct democracy process, it could be challenged via referendum if opponents gather the necessary 50,000 voter signatures within 100 days.

The dominant People's Party (SVP) opposes the law but an official did not respond for requests to comment on whether it would seek a referendum on the issue.

The fact that gay marriage is not yet legal here has more than just symbolic importance for couples. Marital status has a bearing on adoption and assisted reproduction rights, including sperm donations for lesbian couples.

Marmier said he was hopeful the law would pass but added it was important that these other issues were also addressed in the new law.

"I think it is important it moves forward and that we don't wait 13 years to pass the next step," he said.

 
&nbsp;

When civil partnerships were legalised in Switzerland in January 2007, gay couple Laurent Marmier and Yves Bugnon completed the paperwork that same month, making them among the first to take advantage of the new law.

When civil partnerships were legalised in Switzerland in January 2007, gay couple Laurent Marmier and Yves Bugnon completed the paperwork that same month, making them among the first to take advantage of the new law. Thirteen years later, they hope a parliamentary vote on Wednesday will open the door for them to finally get married and enjoy full equality with heterosexual couples. "We don't have the same rights, not quite. And this is what is bothering us," said Bugnon, a music teacher in the French-speaking city of Lausanne. Conservative Switzerland lags many countries in Western Europe on gay rights and is slowly catching up. In February, voters backed an anti-homophobia law giving lesbians, gays and bisexuals legal protection from discrimination. A survey commissioned by gay rights association Pink Cross showed more than 80% of Swiss support same-sex marriage. Also read | Britain's Prince Andrew facing lawsuit over Swiss chalet However, the country's political institutions tend to be more conservative than the general public, Socialist lawmaker Mathias Reynard told Reuters. "Swiss people are in favour – but everything takes time." The same-sex marriage proposal is expected to pass the lower house but it will still have to clear the upper house. Then, in line with Switzerland's direct democracy process, it could be challenged via referendum if opponents gather the necessary 50,000 voter signatures within 100 days. The dominant People's Party (SVP) opposes the law but an official did not respond for requests to comment on whether it would seek a referendum on the issue. The fact that gay marriage is not yet legal here has more than just symbolic importance for couples. Marital status has a bearing on adoption and assisted reproduction rights, including sperm donations for lesbian couples. Marmier said he was hopeful the law would pass but added it was important that these other issues were also addressed in the new law. "I think it is important it moves forward and that we don't wait 13 years to pass the next step," he said.

Swiss gays hope for marriage equality as parliament votes

The government’s plan to re-open primary schools on May 11th has raised concerns among teachers and parents.

Switzerland : Parents Worried As Schools Reopen

Swiss violinist, Debora Vonwiller, performed on Wednesday (May 6) in front of the residents of a Retirement Homes Foundation in Zurich, bringing at least one of them to tears. The care home's residents are all over 65 years old and have hardly left their apartments for weeks.

Swiss violinist plays music for elderly during coronavirus lockdown

The Swiss government's coronavirus aid package should be used to make the country's economy more sustainable and help tackle climate change, environmentalists said on Monday (May 4).

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

Shoes replace protesters as Swiss climate activists obey virus restrictions

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