An estimated 10,000 people gathered in Bern on Saturday for the annual Pride Festival, marching through the historic old town to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and demonstrate solidarity within the queer community, according to organizers. The demonstration operated under the slogan “Fort. Et encore plus forts ensemble,” highlighting both political demands and community cohesion.
Political Demands and Legal Gaps Highlighted at the Federal Plaza
The march concluded at the Federal Plaza, where participants joined a festival featuring political speeches, music, and spectacles. Speakers at the event pointed out that despite social acceptance improving in recent years, legal equality remains unreached and queer individuals continue to face daily discrimination and hostility, according to multiple orators on the scene.
Zurich National Councillor and LGBTQ+ activist Anna Rosenwasser opened the demonstration with a speech criticizing Switzerland’s current standing. “Switzerland, rich and modern, ranks only at the bottom of the rankings regarding the rights of queer people, which is not only embarrassing, but also dangerous,” she stated. Rosenwasser pointed to ongoing legal gaps facing rainbow families, a lack of recognition for non-binary individuals, and the reality that conversion therapies remain legal in numerous cantons.
Lea Blattner, a former member of the Evangelical Party (PEV) now active with the Green Party, used her speech to demand a ban on conversion therapies. While the National Council legislated toward an outright ban in 2022, the issue currently sits with the Council of States, which awaits a report from the Federal Council. Blattner criticized the pace of institutional response, stating, “You don’t wait for reports while people are suffering,” and adding that waiting when action is possible constitutes a choice in itself.
Did You Know? The National Council previously legislated in favor of banning conversion therapies back in 2022, but the legislative process remains stalled as the Council of States awaits a formal report from the Federal Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people attended the Pride Festival in Bern?
According to organizers, approximately 10,000 participants took part in the event.
What were the main political issues raised during the demonstrations?
Speakers highlighted legal gaps for rainbow families, the lack of official recognition for non-binary individuals, daily discrimination, and the fact that conversion therapies remain legal in many cantons.
What is the current legislative status of conversion therapies in Switzerland?
The National Council passed legislation regarding the issue in 2022, but the matter is currently before the Council of States, which is waiting for a report from the Federal Council.
What steps should policymakers take next to address the legal gaps faced by the queer community in Switzerland?
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