At least 85,200 Swiss women lost their citizenship between 1885 and 1952 because they married foreign nationals, according to historical estimates reported by the «SonntagsZeitung». SP National Councilor Michèle Dünki-Bättig has now submitted a motion to the Federal Palace demanding a public apology and historical processing of this practice.
Why did Swiss women lose their citizenship upon marriage?
Under a historical “marriage rule,” Swiss women automatically lost their citizenship if they married a man who was not a Swiss citizen. This rule did not apply to men. The loss of citizenship often resulted in the loss of residence permits and employment.
The consequences were particularly severe for certain professions. Women working as teachers or civil servants faced professional bans as a direct result of the regulation.
How did the rule change during World War II?
Historian Silke Margherita Redolfi reports that Switzerland tightened the application of this practice during the Second World War through the use of emergency law. The impact on individuals was often physically significant; for example, Taeuber-Arp reportedly arrived in Switzerland in a state of severe malnutrition after her entry was delayed.
Research has not yet determined how many women died as a direct consequence of losing their citizenship during the war years.
“It is shocking that women, who were stripped of Swiss citizenship due to a discriminatory regulation, must undergo a naturalization process today,” stated Michèle Dünki-Bättig.
When did women gain citizenship independence?
The legal landscape began to shift in 1952, when Swiss women were first permitted to declare their intent to retain their citizenship upon marrying a foreigner. However, women did not achieve full citizenship independence from their husbands until approximately 1990.
Dünki-Bättig’s current motion emphasizes that the descendants of these women are not currently included in any legal solutions. She argues that the current requirement for these descendants to undergo naturalization processes is insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many women were estimated to have lost their Swiss citizenship due to marriage?
Historical estimates suggest that at least 85,200 Swiss women lost their citizenship between 1885 and 1952 because they married foreigners.
What were the professional consequences for women under the marriage rule?
Women faced the loss of their jobs, and those in specific roles, such as teachers or civil servants, were issued professional bans.
When did women finally gain full citizenship independence in Switzerland?
While women could opt to keep their citizenship starting in 1952, they did not achieve full independence from their husbands regarding citizenship until around 1990.
Should the Swiss government extend legal remedies to the descendants of those affected by these historical citizenship laws?