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Swiss voters have backed government proposals to extend same-sex rights and tighten links with Europe.

Both proposals passed a national referendum on Sunday.

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In the second vote, 58 per cent were in favour of giving same-sex couples the same pension, inheritance and tax treatment as other couples.

It was the first same-sex referendum in Europe.

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from 365gay.com

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(Geneva) Swiss voters Sunday overwhelmingly approved recognizing same-sex relationships.

The Swiss Parliament last year passed legislation to create a civil unions registry and grant limited rights to same-sex couples - mainly in the areas of pensions, inheritance and taxes. But, opponents - headed by a small conservative religious party, the Federal Democratic Union - collected enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue.

The FDU claimed that granting any rights to same-sex couples would undermine traditional marriage. The Roman Catholic Church urged voters to reject civil unions. But, the Federation of Protestant Churches supported the government's legislation.

Swiss activists organized a nation-wide ‘Yes to Partnership’ campaign to support partnership rights.

Support for the legislation received nearly 60 percent of the vote Sunday.

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The FDU claimed that granting any rights to same-sex couples would undermine traditional marriage.

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