France Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
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Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images(PARIS) — French gay and lesbian couples who want to get married can probably starting making plans for June weddings after their country’s National Assembly made same-sex nuptials legal on Tuesday by a 331-225 vote.
The issue has divided France, which many outsiders had thought would openly embrace the idea of homosexuals being able to wed.
However, while Socialist President Francois Hollande said he supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, many conservatives, led by former comedian-turned-activist Frigide Barjot, have vowed to keep all legal unions between one man and one woman.
There have even been violent incidents in France over the past several weeks, with gays attacked on the streets of Paris. Protests on both sides of the issue have also been large and frequent.
French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira announced on Tuesday that same-sex marriage ceremonies would probably start by June.
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