FRANCE HAS OPENED up marriage and adoption to same-sex couples, becoming the 14th country in the world to offer marriage equality.
In a landmark majority vote today, the French parliament passed the bill by 331 to 225 votes despite strong protests.
However, opponents to the law have vowed to fight on and a challenge in the country’s constitutional council is expected.
Justice Minister Christiane Taubira hailed the move as a historical moment, stating it opened up new rights and shows that France stands firmly against discrimination.
“The laws of equality, liberty and fraternity brighten the horizon of many citizens who were deprived of these rights,” she said in a short statement.
The bill must now be signed by President Francois Hollande. It is understood that right-wing parties will try to pressure him into shelving the controversial legislation, a precedent set by former president Jacques Chirac in 2006 when he failed to sign an unpopular employment law.
The government believes any constitutional challenge will be rejected.
“We have ensured that there is no legal weakness,” Family Minister Dominique Bertinotti said. “The constitutional council is sovereign but the government is serene. We’re confident.”
-Additional reporting by AFP
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