Thousands rally against gay marriage in Paris

PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Sunday, January 13 decrying the French president's plan to legalize same-sex marriage and adoptions, CNN reported.

They converged near the Eiffel Tower, chanting and waving flags, posters and balloons.

Extending the right to marry and adopt to same-sex couples was one of President Francois Hollande's electoral pledges in campaigning last year.

After his win, the Cabinet approved a draft bill that is expected to go before the National Assembly and Senate soon. It is likely to be voted on in February or March. If passed, it would mark the biggest step forward for French gay rights advocates in more than a decade.

The plan faces stiff opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and social conservatives.

Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, the archbishop of Paris, voiced his opposition at a meeting of French bishops in Lourdes last year.

Other religious groups in France, including Muslims, Jews and Buddhists, have also expressed their concern over the draft bill, and more than 100 lawmakers are against the legislation.

Hundreds of mayors around the country have also voiced their opposition, which has won wide backing from gay rights advocates.

The French gay, lesbian and transgender rights group Inter-LGBT said the law, if passed, "would be a major advance for our country in terms of equality of rights."