Gay rights group, the Pink Cross, says the election of three gay politicians to Biel’s five-member city council is remarkable.

Greens Barbara Schwickert was re-elected and is joined by Cédric Némitz from the Suisse Romande Socialist Party and Beat Feurer from the Swiss People’s Party.

Mayor Erich Fehr said the candidate’s sexuality had never been the decisive factor in their election, but the Pink Cross believes it will set an example to young people to come out.