Couples wed as Swiss same-sex marriage law takes effect

GENEVA (AP) - Lesbian and gay couples in Switzerland rejoiced as they legally tied the knot Friday when the rich Alpine nation formally joined many other western European countries in allowing same-sex marriage, with some saying better late than never.

The first same-sex marriages came about nine months after 64.1% of voters backed the 'œMarriage for All'ť law in a national referendum. It puts same-sex partners on an equal legal footing with heterosexual couples, including allowing them to adopt children together and to sponsor a spouse for citizenship.

Switzerland authorized same-sex civil partnerships in 2007.

Friends and family greeted Aline and Laure - who asked that their surnames not be published - with hugs, cheers, applause and a few joyous tears at a Geneva manor house where they exchanged vows to formalize their two-decade relationship.

'œIt's great joy, a super moment to put in the history books,'ť said Laure, 45, a human resources executive, adding that July 1 holds special importance because its the 19th anniversary of their civil union.

'œIt's normality that's taking effect. It's going to become commonplace, let's say, whether its two women, two men, or heterosexual couples to marry,'ť Laure said.

Holding Laure's hand, Aline said: 'œIt's true that Switzerland has been a little slow. It's not a moment too soon, after all. Now's the time.'ť

With a population of 8.5 million, traditionally conservative Switzerland was until Friday among a few western European nations that didn't recognize same-sex marriages. Greece, Italy and the microstates of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino only allow male-female couples to marry.

Most countries in central and eastern Europe do not allow same-sex marriage.