Swiss Gay Couples Win Partnership Rights

SWITZERLAND () -- Swiss voters have decided that gay couples will be able to register their partnerships and enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as straight married couples. Gay couples will now have access to the same tax, pension and inheritance rights and obligations as straight couples. Gays will not be able to adopt children or have access to fertility treatment.

Gay organizations and human rights groups were thrilled with the decision. 

"It's a magnificent victory," said Jean-Paul Guisan of Pink Cross. "When I was younger, I would never have imagined this could happen."

"I am very proud of Swiss voters who have shown their openness and their courage."

Polls estimated that about 58 percent of the voters supported the law, which was supported by the parliament. The referendum was forced by a small conservative religious party, the Federal Democratic Union. It's the first time such a law has been voted on at a national level in Europe.