FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

Switzerland, and therefore the canton of Schaffhausen too, attach importance to the freedom, rights and obligations of each individual. Mutual respect and tolerance, as well as recognition of the same fundamental values, form the basis for peaceful co-existence.
The fundamental rights are laid down in the federal constitution and in the cantonal constitution. All inhabitants of Switzerland, including foreigners, have these rights:

Equal rights

The state must treat everyone the same. This means that nobody may be at a disadvantage, irrespective of their gender or age, their origins, race, language, religion, social status, ideology, lifestyle or disability.

Equality

Men and women have the same rights in the family, education and work. Men and women are entitled to the same wage for the same work.

Right to life and personal freedom

Everybody has the right to life. The death penalty is prohibited. Everyone has the right to personal freedom.
This means that nobody may be injured and that everyone is entitled to free movement.

Right to marriage

Every person over the age of 18 is allowed to marry.

Freedom of religion

Every person may freely select and exercise his or her religion. Nobody may be forced to join or belong to a religious community.

Publicly recognized religions:

There are three religions that are recognised in law in the canton of Schaffhausen. These are the EvangelicalReformed, the Roman Catholic and the Old Catholic churches. This recognition under public law gives rise to certain rights, such as church tax, on the one hand, and on the other recognition is linked to recognition of religious freedom, observance of human rights and financial transparency.

Freedom of expression

Everybody has the right to form their opinion and to express themselves freely pursuant to the law.

These rights may be restricted by the state under certain circumstances. A statutory basis is required, however, for this. If you think your personal rights are being threatened, advice or legal assistance is available depending on the issue.

Obligations: obligation to perform military service and compulsory vote

There are also obligations for Swiss citizens in addition to the fundamental rights. Switzerland, with its militia, has general compulsory military service. All Swiss men are
involved in this.

The canton of Schaffhausen has another special obligation. Here, all citizens are obliged to vote in elections and referenda.