On Saturday President Francois Hollande signs into law the Gay Marriage and Adoption Bill. The Constitutional Council has thrown away a right-wing initiated opposition on Friday, removing the final obstacle to the rather controversial legislation. The International Day Against Homophobia was celebrated worldwide on Friday.
On May 28, ten days after the signing, the first same-sex marriage may be held in France. Justice Minister Christiane Taubira stated that the first same-sex marriages could be held by June. In the meantime, the Minister of Parliamentary Relations Alain Vidalies spoke to French TV saying that he is expecting to see the first ceremonies before the first of July.
Flagship legislation
France is now the eighth European nation and the 14th country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. The President said that he has made a decision to sign the law and that it’s about “time to respect the law.” President Hollande was elected one year ago and this legislation is the flagship legislation for social reform. His ruling Socialist Party has been pushing for “marriage for all” during the heat of the presidential campaign last year.
Hollande has reiterated that he would “tolerate no resistance” and promised not to allow for any “disruption of these marriages.” He has given the assurance that the law will apply to the whole territory. President Hollande has very low popularity rating, amongst the lowest of any recent head of the French government.
An arduous political journey
In April, the Gay Marriage and Adoption Bill was passed by the French Senate and the National Assembly after much debate. But it went through, causing much celebration in the gay community in the country. The UMP Party, the primary right-wing opposition of Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President, immediately challenged the constitutionality of the bill.
Nicolas Gougain, spokesman for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) association said, “Now it’s celebration time,” in response to the Presidential approval. In the meantime, the opposition vows to continue with their anti-gay marriage and adoption demonstrations. The next big rally in Paris is scheduled on May 26. In the past, hard-core protests even led to violence.
The ruling
Despite the staunch opposition and bitter debate the ruling of the Constitutional Council was in favor of the legislation. The body did not find that the bill infringes on any basic liberties or on national sovereignty and does not run against constitutional principles. The Constitutional Council argued that the child’s wellbeing will still be the priority in adoption cases and that legalizing adoption by same-sex couples is immediately equivalent to the “right to a child.”
According to surveys 55%-60% of the people of France are for same-sex marriage while a lesser percentage, around 50% of French people approves gay adoption.
The opposition
On Friday, thousands took to the streets to express their opposition to the ruling of the Constitutional Council. Jean-Francois Cope, the President of the UMP regrets the ruling but said that he would respect the Council’s decision. The anti-gay marriage protest is supported by the Catholic Church.
Photo Credit: Pro-Marriage LGBT
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