Switzerland looks almost certain to allow same-sex marriage from 2021 – even if it faces a referendum. Marriage equality has now passed major hurdles in the Federal Assembly, Switzerland’s parliament.
In June the National Council, the lower house of parliament, approved equal marriage by a big majority. Then the Council of States, the upper house of parliament, also approved it.
Now, the National Council has swiftly confirmed the Council of States version of the bill, allowing it to move forward to a final vote on 18 December.
The bill will almost certainly pass that final vote, meaning the only hurdle could be if marriage equality opponents call a referendum on the issue.