The offence could throw you in prison for three years
A new ruling in Switzerland has criminalised discrimination against LGBTQ people.
The country’s National Council voted 118 to 60 in favour of making it illegal to discriminate someone based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
National Councillor, Mathias Reynard, fought for over five years to change to the country’s laws. And now he is able to celebrate, as per his Twitter account: “Victory! By 118 against 60 and 5 abstentions, the National Council accepts my parliamentary initiative against homophobia and Transphobia! A great success for human rights! Final response in December to the Council of States.“
Victoire ! Par 118 contre 60 et 5 abstentions, le Conseil national accepte mon initiative parlementaire contre l'homophobie et la transphobie! Un magnifique succès pour les droits humains! Réponse finale en décembre au Conseil des États. #LGBT 🏳️🌈🇨🇭
— Mathias Reynard (@MathiasReynard) September 25, 2018
Reynard also reportedly told Gay Times Magazine: “Homophobia is not an opinion. It’s a crime. One in five homosexuals attempted suicide, half before the age of 20. This victory sends a strong signal. I have already received hundreds of reactions.”
LGBTQ supporters are thrilled with the result, some tweeting out that it is a “massive step forward to protect LGBTQ people” and others thanking the country that made civil partnerships available since 2007.
Thank you Switzerland and especially Mathias Reynaert for this important law. I hope that we in the USA can follow your humanitarian examples on this and so many other important issues we face. 💪❤️🏳️🌈 #lgbtq #humanrights #beyou #loveislove #nohate https://t.co/vlvyk2ZyhY
— Buffy Butler (@buffyb45) September 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/garya1an/status/1046596802592485377
https://twitter.com/blu_faggot/status/1046773680720760832
Just found out that Switzerland made homophobia and transphobia illegal, im so so happy this shd be the goal for all countries 🌈
— ber 🍼 (@milkloueh) October 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/SE_OK_COCK/status/1046584782539423744
https://twitter.com/callmeroygbiv/status/1046776627965906945
Since Switzerland fell three places on the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s annual Rainbow Index last year, the new ruling could see the European country upping their ranks from 12th.
