Legislation

(Adopted by parliament on December 18, 1998)

(Adopted by referendum on April 14, 1999)

(In force since January 1, 2000)

(Document Status January 1, 2000)

(Editor's Note:

The new constitution has been formally adopted by referendum on 14 April 1999 (59% yes, 41% no) and is in force since 1 Jan 2000)

Preamble May 29, 1874: Adoption of the Constitution

1996: Publication of the draft of a new Constitution

April 20, 1999: Revision of the Constitution

Article 4 (National Languages)

National languages are German, French, Italian and Romansh.

Article 18 (The Free usage of Languages )

The freedom of language is guaranteed.

Article 69 (Culture)

(1) The field of culture is a cantonal matter.

(2) The Confederation may support cultural activities of national interest, and encourage art and music, in particular in the field of education.

(3) In accomplishing its tasks, it shall take into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country

Article 70 (Languages)

(1) The official languages of the Confederation are German, French and Italian. Romansh shall be an official language for the Confederation's dealings with persons speaking Romansh.

(2) The Cantons shall designate their official languages. In order to preserve harmony between linguistic communities, they shall respect the traditional territorial distribution of languages, and take into account the indigenous linguistic minorities.

(3) The Confederation and the cantons shall encourage understanding and exchanges among the linguistic communities.

(4) The Confederation shall support multilingual Cantons in the fullfilment of their particular tasks

(5) The Confederation shall support measures taken by the Cantons Graubünden and Tessin to maintain and to promote the Rhaeto-Romance and Italian languages.

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