French Parliament approves same-sex 'marriage' Bill
The French National Assembly has approved a Bill that proposes to introduce same-sex ‘marriage’ in a 331 to 225 vote.
Appeal
Centre-right opposition party, Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), said that it will appeal against the Bill, which will also permit same-sex couples to adopt children.
Herve Mariton, a lawmaker with UMP, said: “This is a denial of democracy, an emotional denial and a moral denial.”
Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said that the Constitutional Court will have one month to make a ruling on any appeal by the UMP.
President Hollande Francois is expected to sign the legislation off should it be approved by the Constitutional Court.
Opposition
Hundreds of supporters of traditional marriage rallied outside the French Parliament as the vote took place, led by comedian Frigide Barjot.
Vowing to continue her fight against the legislation, she said: "We are going to show them that this is not over. I solemnly ask the president to hold a referendum on the subject."
The move has attracted significant opposition from religious groups and members of the public, with several demonstrations being held in support of traditional marriage across the country.
A rally in Paris earlier this year attracted almost 1.4 million people, whilst between 30,000 and 50,000 attended a similar demonstration on Sunday.
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