Parliament Approves Return of Double Surnames

Swiss Senate votes to allow double surnames again, marking significant change in naming rights

The Swiss Senate voted 40 to 2 in favor of returning to double surnames.
Double surnames have been banned in Switzerland since 2013.
The Senate rejected the proposal to abolish the principle of a single family name.
Only unmarried names can be passed on to spouses or children, excluding names from previous marriages.

40 to 2

vote margin

years

"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 Obliterates Single-Name Mandate

The Swiss Senate voted 40 to 2 in favor of returning to double surnames.
Double surnames have been banned in Switzerland since 2013.
The Senate rejected the proposal to abolish the principle of a single family name.
Only unmarried names can be passed on to spouses or children, excluding names from previous marriages.

40 to 2

vote margin

years

"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