Another massive rally in Paris against same-sex marriage
May 28, 2013
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Paris on May 26 to protest the country’s new law allowing legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
The massive protest was the latest in a series of popular demonstrations against the legislation that was pushed forward by President Francois Hollande. Government officials had sought to discourage participation in the rally, and police officials placed the official estimate of the crowd’s size at only 150,000. But organizers claimed a million participants, and the Reuters news service offered an estimate of “several hundred thousand.”
Interior minister Manuel Valls had asked parents not to bring children to the demonstration, saying that violence might erupt. His predictions proved inaccurate during the rally itself, but after the demonstration concluded, dozens of angry protesters clashed with police and scores were arrested.
Opponents of same-sex marriage have vowed to continue their political battle, aiming at the next elections.
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Further information:
- French gay marriage opponents stage big Paris march (Reuters)
- Gay marriage: Paris; protest turns violent during the night (ANSA)
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