Tens of thousands of people have protested in Switzerland for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the Alpine country.
The protests on Saturday came ahead of a national referendum on September 26 on the legalisation of same-sex marriage, which has already been introduced in many other European countries including Germany, Austria, France and the Netherlands.
Public broadcaster SRF reported that tens of thousands participated in the Zurich Pride parade which had the slogan "You can do it. Marriage for everyone now."
A person carries a placard that reads 'love is love' during a demonstration at the Zurich Pride parade. Source: AAP
So far, same-sex couples in Switzerland can only get official approval for civil unions, which are not on equal footing as marriages.
If a majority votes for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Switzerland this would also allow couple to adopt children.
In addition, lesbian couples would have easier access to sperm donations if they wanted to start a family and it would be easier for foreign partners to get Swiss citizenship.
On 26 September 2021, Swiss citizens will vote on the proposal 'Marriage for everyone'. Source: AAP
Opponents of the legalisation say marriage should be reserved for a man and a woman together only and that children should have the right to have both a traditional father and mother.
SRF reported that 70 groups from the LGBTQ community supported the protests.
