OREANDA-NEWS. Switzerland became the 29th country to allow same-sex couples to officially marry. The results of the referendum, which took place the day before, confirmed the decision expected by all, but the opponents of non-traditional families intend to continue their struggle.

On Sunday, in a referendum in Switzerland, over 64% of the population spoke in favor of giving same-sex couples the opportunity to officially marry. The polls conducted the day before and the traditions of the "Pride Parades" left no doubt that this initiative would be adopted during the voting.

Local media have already reported that the country has "made a historic step" towards equality, which is extremely important for the state, which was one of the last in the world to recognize women's suffrage and allowed them to vote only in 1971.

The results of the referendum were also welcomed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In a Twitter post, OHCHR stressed that "families of all types and sizes exist and they all have equal rights to recognition and protection."

A package of amendments on "marriage for all" to the Civil Code adopted on Sunday provides for the possibility for same-sex couples to enter into formal marriage. If one of the partners is a foreigner, such a marriage will speed up the procedure for naturalization and obtaining a Swiss passport, as in traditional marriages. At the same time, female married couples will have access to sperm donation, the child, upon reaching the age of 18, will be able to find out who his biological father was. If the couple opts for a Swiss sperm bank, then both partners will be enrolled in the child's parents. If the sperm bank is located outside Switzerland, then only the biological mother will be registered as a parent.

Male same-sex couples will have slightly less privileges, since egg donation and surrogate mothers are prohibited in Switzerland. However, such couples will be able to adopt children, as well as female families.