Swiss federal law on registered civil partnerships
A national referendum was held on 5 June 2005; the law (known as the “LPart” in French) came into effect on 1 January 2007.
As of July 1, 2022, registered civil partnership is replaced by marriage for all.
1. What is the LPart?
The Swiss federal law on registered civil partnerships allows same-sex couples to have their relationship recognized by law. This recognition helps to ensure equal treatment.
The law aims to:
-improve the legal status of same-sex couples;
-provide same-sex couples with the same rights as married couples in such areas as taxation, inheritance, social security and occupational pensions;
-determine the rights and obligations of each partner.
2. Main features of the LPart
2.1. Purpose of the law
This law governs the formation, effects and dissolution of registered partnerships between two adults of the same sex. It improves their legal status but does not treat them as married couples.
2.2. Registering the partnership
Both partners must be over 18 years of age and capable of proper judgment. The partnership must be registered at the civil registry office. Partners must not be related, married or already bound by a registered partnership. Their new marital status will be: “bound by a registered partnership.”
2.3. The impacts of a registered partnership
Partners must assist and respect each other. They must work together, as far as they are able, to maintain their household. Each partner represents the household regarding its daily needs. Each partner must also, if requested, inform the other of his/her income, assets and debts. Partners can only own common property by mutual consent.
Same-sex couples have the same rights as married couples in areas such as taxation, inheritance, social security and occupational pensions.
Individuals bound by a registered partnership are not permitted to adopt a child or seek medically-assisted reproduction. If one partner has children, the other partner must duly assist him/her and represent him/her whenever necessary.
2.4. Dissolution of a registered partnership
The partners may together file a request to dissolve the partnership with the courts. One partner alone may request the dissolution of the partnership if the partners have been living separately for at least one year.
2.5. Marriages formed abroad
A valid marriage between two individuals of the same sex that took place abroad is recognized as a registered partnership in Switzerland.