Introductory Act to the Partneship Act (EG PartG) - Subject Matter (EGPARTG)

1. This Act implements the Partnership Act, which regulates the formation, effects, and dissolution of registered partnerships for same-sex couples.

1. The provisions of this law shall also apply to all public-law corporations and institutions of the canton.

1. The registered partnership is equated with marriage in its effects, where federal law provides for it.

2. Moreover, the registered partnership is equated with marriage in its effects in the following cantonal areas

a. Personal law;

b. Tax law and revenue law;

c. Social assistance law;

d. Health law (patient rights);

e. Funeral services.

1. Competencies are determined in accordance with the law for spouses, unless this or another law assigns them differently.

1. The civil registry office executes the registration and records the dissolution of the partnership.

2. Furthermore, the civil registry office performs the additional tasks assigned to it by federal law.

1. The municipal council at the residence of one partner shall, ex officio, file for annulment.

1. The procedure for registration is governed by the implementing provisions of the Federal Council, particularly the Civil Status Ordinance.

2. The civil status office agrees with the applicants on a time for the certification.

3. The certification generally takes place in the wedding venue and during the office hours of the civil status office.

1. In calculating the cost of living according to Article 4, Paragraph 2, Sentence 2 of the Regulation on the Collection and Advance Payment of Maintenance Contributions, the attributable income and allowable expenses of a registered partner must be taken into account.

1. The registered partnership is, in the cases provided by cantonal legislation, a ground for recusal (disqualification and challenge) as well as the right to refuse to testify.

1. The government council may, through implementing provisions, expand or restrict the legal areas mentioned in Art. 3 para. 2 of this law, insofar as there is a glaring inequality of treatment between registered partnerships and marriage.

1. This Act shall also apply to all proceedings that are pending at the time of its entry into force.

2. Procedural actions that have been carried out in accordance with the previous law shall retain their effect.

1. The repeal and amendment of existing law are governed in the annex.

1. The Government Council determines when this law comes into force. It is subject to an optional referendum.