Swiss Parliament approves same-sex marriage
GENEVA: Switzerland's Parliament approved a bill on Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights.
But the Swiss themselves will have the final say on the matter 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 few European countries where same-sex marriage is not legal.
The country allows same-sex couples to enter into "registered partnerships", but this does not provide the same rights as marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children.