Switzerland labels homophobia a criminal offence

The Swiss parliament has extended the scope of anti-racism laws to include discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Intersexual (people born with male and female chromosomes and/or sexual organs) and transgender people, on the other hand, will not enjoy the same level of protection.

Both houses of parliament have now approved a motion to criminalise homophobia. Switzerland now joins the likes of France, Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark in taking criminal action against such discrimination.

Homophobia can now be combated in the same way as racism. For example, a person who publicly declares that «all homos should be imprisoned in camps» can be prosecuted. This has not been the case so far.

Homophobic bodily injuries can now also be properly recorded. This makes it possible to meet the demands of LGBTIQ organisations of keeping statistics on homophobia.