Equality of LGBTIQ persons
In Switzerland, the equality of LGBTIQ persons before the law has improved in recent years: The scope of penal provision against discrimination and incitement to hatred on grounds of sexual orientation has been extended, and the procedure for changing gender and first nameat the civil registry office was simplified, and marriage for all has been introduced. However, LGBTIQ persons still face discrimination in various areas.
Switzerland is committed to combating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual characteristics. This aligns with its domestic and foreign policy commitment to strengthening human rights.
Since 2024, the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) has been responsible for all matters relating to the equality for LGBTIQ persons at the federal level.
The FOGE is mandated to perform several tasks:
What is the federal government doing to promote equality for LGBTIQ persons?
National Action Plan to combat hate crime against LGBTIQ Persons
The National Action Plan to combat hate crime against LGBTIQ Persons aims to prevent violence, discrimination and hate crime against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people. The action plan addresses three scopes of action: support and protection for victims, prevention of hate crime, and monitoring acts of violence. The Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) coordinates and monitors its implementation.
Rights of LGBTIQ persons
In recent years, significant developments have taken place regarding the rights and protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) persons in Switzerland.