As soon as July next year, same-sex couples will be able to marry under the new rule.

Same-sex couples will be able to marry in Switzerland from July 1, the government said on Wednesday, adopting the results of a landmark referendum on the topic held in September.

Switzerland became one of the last countries in Western Europe to legalize gay marriage when voters supported the “Marriage for All” proposal by a nearly two-thirds majority.

From January 1, same-sex couples who married overseas will have their status recognized in two stages. Previously, the couples were viewed in Switzerland as a registered partnership.

“We are really happy with the outcome of the vote, and that it is now being put into law,” said Maria von Kaenel, co-president of the Marriage for All campaign.

“We have been fighting for marriage equality for 30 years and the referendum result was a historic moment.”

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