I would guess the main reason Geneva (and the Schwyzerfroggen in general) are "progressive" is because they are an oppressed minority themselves.

If you've lived in Switzerland for more than 8 years and reside in Geneva (and I believe the other French cantons as well) you can vote in local and cantonal matters (presumably including the smoking vote in July) whatever your nationality.

We also have a lot of Italians in Geneva which probably has some impact on people dimly realising things are changing elsewhere in Europe. The news will likely take twenty years to filter through to Obwalden.

My German isn't strong enough to help with the cryptic Lung League website, sorry.