First same-sex union
celebrated in Switzerland
By AP from
edgenewyork.com from the Web January 5, 2007
Two men, ages 89 and 60, have become
the first couple in Switzerland to join in a same-sex union. A new law
recognizing such unions was passed in 2005 and came into effect January 1.
The men, who wish to remain anonymous, registered their partnership on Tuesday
in Locarno in the southern Swiss state of Ticino. The two have been
together for about 30 years.
"It was very moving. At some point I think we all had tears in our eyes,"
said Donatella Zappa, a witness at the ceremony. Zappa, who is also a
member of the gay rights group Associazione Imbarco Immediato ("On Board Now"),
said the event marked "the beginning of a new period. The law enables
same-sex couples to have the rights every individual should enjoy."
The new law, which was approved by a popular referendum, does not allow marriage
between two people of the same sex but ensures that gay unions have legal
standing similar to marriage. Same-sex couples will receive the same tax
and pension status as married couples but will not be allowed to adopt children
or undergo fertility treatment.
More same-sex couples are now lining up to tie the knot. "The fact that
there are couples who have made their union legal and official will serve as a
model," Zappa said.
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