Switzerland’s Parliament on Friday approved a bill allowing same-sex marriage, bringing the Alpine nation in line with much of Europe on gay rights. 

However, the Christian, ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party announced it will ask for a referendum for the legislation, AFP reported.

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Switzerland is among the few remaining European countries yet to legalise same-sex marriage. The country allows same-sex couples to enter into “registered partnerships”, which does not provide the same rights as marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children.

The two chambers of Parliament have approved the bill after multiple rounds of debate since 2013. The bill allows gay and lesbian couples to marry and for lesbians to access sperm donations. 

“This is a historic victory for the rights of the LGBTI* Community,” Amnesty Switzerland said in a tweet. 

The Rainbow Families association, set up in 2010 to defend the interests of gay parents in Switzerland, said it was preparing for the issue to be put to a popular vote.

“If the opponents launch a referendum, we’re ready,” said Matthias Erhardt, deputy president of the national committee especially set up on “marriage for all”.

“We have 82% of the population behind us and, thanks to the mobilisation of the LBGT community, our partner organisations and the political parties who support us, we will be able to further increase acceptance of LGBT people in society,” he said.