French lawmakers give final approval to same-sex marriage, but public resistance mounts

April 23, 2013

French lawmakers formally approved same-sex marriage on April 23, but the debate on the issue, which has provoked massive demonstrations across the country, seems unlikely to end soon.

The National Assembly gave its final assent to the gay-marriage measure by a vote of 331-225. The legislation had moved forward quickly, pushed by President Francois Hollande and endorsed by the Socialist majority in the parliament. As the final vote took place, about 4,000 police officers were stationed around the Assembly to guard against violence, as thousands of protesters expressed their outrage over the bill. More than 50,000 demonstrators had gathered peacefully in Paris on Sunday in a last public protest before the final vote.

Resistance against same-sex marriage seems likely to continue, and complicate matters for a government that is already sagging in popularity. Thousand of French local officials have already announced that they will refuse to record same-sex unions.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• France legalizes gay marriage after harsh debate (AP)
• Protests Against Same-Sex Marriage Bill Intensify in France (New York Times)