Specifically, it was about a widower from the canton of Appenzell-Ausserrhoden who no longer received a pension after his youngest daughter came of age.
At the request of Switzerland, the case was heard in June 2021 by the Grand Chamber and thus the second instance of the ECtHR. In the judgment published on Tuesday, this confirms the decision of the small chamber.
In its verdict, published Tuesday, the grand chamber said the widower was in the same situation as many widows after the youngest child came of age. However, he was treated differently, which, combined with the right to respect for private and family life, constituted discrimination.
Meanwhile, the Swiss parliament has started to amend the previous legislation. This is intended to eliminate the current unequal treatment of widows and widowers.
(SDA)