France: Paris protesters say "oui" to gay marriage

France: Paris protesters say "oui" to gay marriage

Thousands gathered on Sunday at the Plac de la Bastille in Paris to show their support for a new bill to legalise gay marriage. The gathering took place at the same time as opponents of the legislation marched towards the National Assembly. France's LGBT community accuse those who oppose the law of being homophobic. They say a nation such as France, whose national motto is "liberty, equality and fraternity," should not question the need for such a law.

After a tense few weeks, in which acts of aggression against the gay community were reported, the police dispersed protesters at the end of the demonstration in order to avoid clashes. French President Francois Hollande has blasted those who carried out "homophobic" acts in recent weeks. Cars and public property in Paris were wrecked earlier in April as a protest against gay marriage degenerated. Meanwhile in Lille, three employees of a gay bar were injured by a group of men who also vandalised the building.

A final vote on the legislation is expected on Tuesday, April 23. The landmark bill would also legalise adoption by gay parents.