Switzerland clears way for same-sex marriage bill
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The draft law is moving through parliament 13 years after civil partnerships became legal in Switzerland.
Switzerland's lower house of parliament has approved a draft legislation to let same-sex couples marry in a country that has lagged other parts of western Europe in gay rights.
Despite opposition from conservatives, legislators also voted to let lesbian couples use sperm donations to conceive children. The legislation will now move to the upper house for a final vote.
"By 132 votes to 52, with 13 abstentions, the National Council says YES to #Ehefüralle real equality!" rights group Pink Cross wrote on Twitter, using a hashtag meaning "marriage for all".
The draft law is moving through parliament 13 years after civil partnerships became legal in Switzerland.
Switzerland passed a law specifically protecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people from discrimination only in February.
A survey commissioned by Pink Cross in February showed more than 80% of Swiss support same-sex marriage.