Double Surnames Set to Return as Swiss Parliament Approves Law Change

Swiss Senate votes overwhelmingly to allow the return of double surnames, marking a significant shift in naming rights and gender equality legislation.

Key Takeaways

The Swiss Senate voted 40 to 2 to allow the return of double surnames.
Double surnames have been banned in Switzerland since 2013.
The Senate rejected the complete abolition of the 'single name' and 'family name' principles.
Only unmarried names can be passed on to spouses or children, not names acquired from previous marriages.

By The Numbers

40 to 2

Vote count

2013

Year

They Said

"This situation is unsatisfactory, as it calls into question equality between men and women."
— Parliamentary Committee

"The aim is to ensure that it is still possible to establish a clear link between a person’s name and their origin."
— Isabelle Chassot

Senate Shatters the 2013 Ban

Restoring Equality to the Altar

Drawing the Line on Lineage

Political Clash and Next Steps

Sources & References

Parliament approves the return of double surnames

SWI swissinfo.ch

Key Takeaways

The Swiss Senate voted 40 to 2 to allow the return of double surnames.
Double surnames have been banned in Switzerland since 2013.
The Senate rejected the complete abolition of the 'single name' and 'family name' principles.
Only unmarried names can be passed on to spouses or children, not names acquired from previous marriages.

By The Numbers

40 to 2

Vote count

2013

Year

They Said

"This situation is unsatisfactory, as it calls into question equality between men and women."
— Parliamentary Committee

"The aim is to ensure that it is still possible to establish a clear link between a person’s name and their origin."
— Isabelle Chassot

Key Takeaways

By The Numbers

They Said

Senate Shatters the 2013 Ban

Restoring Equality to the Altar

Drawing the Line on Lineage

Political Clash and Next Steps

Sources & References

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