The National Council has voted by 128 votes to 51 in favour of the the Federal Council’s tougher measures to combat forced marriages and marriages under age 18.
The measures would apply equally whether the marriage ceremony takes place within Swiss borders or in another country, and whether the marriage is a heterosexual or homosexual union.
The measures mean it would no longer be up to the victim alone to report the forced marriage but also anyone who suspects it.
The government wants registry offices to be more attentive.
Those who force someone into marriage could be imprisoned for up to five years but the National Council turned down the Swiss People’s Party’s requirement to set a minimum of two years.
Exceptions would be made when children are involved or if the vicitm chooses to remain in the union.
A study will also investigate how widespread the practice of forced marriages is in Switzerland and provide recommendations on how they can be prevented.