Switzerland: Basel Breaks Ground with Progressive Equality Act Recognizing Diverse Gender Attributes

In a historic move, Basel becomes the first canton in German-speaking Switzerland to embrace a comprehensive Equality Act that transcends traditional gender norms. The legislation, passed by the Basel Grand Council on Wednesday with a decisive 69:15 vote and two abstentions, expands the definition of gender to encompass "biological sexual characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, and social attributions of gender."

The newly approved law not only underscores the commitment to gender equality but also introduces measures aimed at combating discrimination against the LGBTQI community. Provisions for advice centers, awareness campaigns, and information initiatives will be implemented to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI individuals.

However, the groundbreaking decision was not without its share of controversy. A spirited debate unfolded prior to the vote, with conservative factions, including the Swiss People's Party (SVP), expressing strong opposition. SVP Grand Councilor Beat Schaller asserted that the law aimed to dismantle the traditional family structure, stating, "God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Egon."

Center politician Daniel Albietz argued against abandoning the binary concept of man and woman, citing the inherent duality in all aspects of life. "For men and women, they are, so to speak, the x and y axes of the gender coordinate system," Albietz contended.

Contrarily, proponents of the new legislation, like Center politician Andrea Strahm, emphasized the need for a more inclusive understanding of gender. Strahm remarked, "Gender can no longer only be divided into xx and xy. Deletions or duplications of sex chromosomes occur naturally."

Melanie Nussbaumer of the Social Democratic Party (SP) rebuked those dismissing the realities of transgender lives as ideological, calling it "simply malicious and anti-human."

While the law expands the concept of gender, the Grand Council ensured that the original goal of achieving equality between men and women is not sidelined. Grand Councilor Edibe Gölgeli clarified, "Material equality between the two binary genders has not been achieved, and the need for action remains great."

Despite these efforts, some old feminists, including former National Councilor Margrit von Felten, express reservations. Von Felten, a veteran feminist, believes that the law may disadvantage women and hopes for a referendum. "I would have liked to jump up every time someone claimed that women would not be disadvantaged by this law," she stated.