Federal Office of Justice

Bills adopted

(For the complete list of topics see the German, French or Italian version of this page)

  • Minarets
    On 29 November 2009, the Swiss people and cantons voted in favour of the popular initiative entitled "Against the Construction of Minarets".
  • Convention on Biomedicine
    European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine. In force since 1 November 2008.
  • Genetic Testing of Humans
    Swiss Federal Law on the Genetic Testing of Humans. In force since 1 April 2007.
  • Registered Partnerships
    The Federal Registered Partnerships Act enables homosexual couples to formalise their relationship in law. In force since 1 January 2007.
  • The status of animals
    Switzerland officially stopped classifying animals as "things" as. The new legislation acknowledges that they are living beings capable of feeling and suffering. In force since 1 April 2003.
  • Abortion
    In Switzerland, abortion is not punishable if a woman demands the abortion in writing within twelve weeks of the start of her last period and can claim a situation of distress. In force since 1 October 2002.
  • Reproductive medicine
    Swiss Reproductive Medicine Act. In force since 1 January 2001.