If Only the Swiss-French Ruled the Country . . .

Swiss voters are going to the polls to decide on two different referendums.

The first is to decide whether Switzerland – which is not a member of the European Union – should join the Schengen and Dublin agreements.

This would mean opening Switzerland’s borders to its EU neighbours and sharing information on crime.

The second will decide whether to legalise same sex partnerships, and marks the first time a country has held a nationwide referendum on this issue.

The Swiss government is urging a “Yes” vote on the Schengen and Dublin agreements.

Ministers say both would benefit Switzerland.

Schengen because it would allow Swiss police to share information with their EU colleagues about all sorts of crimes from money laundering to suspected terrorist organisations.

Joining Dublin, meanwhile, would give Switzerland access to Eurodac, the database which is supposed to prevent asylum-seekers making applications to more than one European country.

Same rights

However, many Swiss remain sceptical about Europe, and right-wing groups, in particular, are urging a “No” vote, claiming Swiss law enforcement is fine as it stands.

In the wake of the French and Dutch rejections of the European constitution, the latest opinion polls show the vote will be close, and it is possible the Swiss will decide they do not need any more EU legislation.

However, on the issue of same-sex partnerships, which has aroused such controversy in the United States, the Swiss are united.

The proposed legislation would give gay couples the same inheritance and tax rights as married heterosexual couples. However, they would not be allowed to adopt, or to undergo fertility treatment.