French parliament to debate gay marriage

French parliament to debate gay marriage
January 29, 2013 - 19:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The French National Assembly is due to debate the legalisation of same-sex marriage after months of impassioned public protests and counter-protests, BBC News reported.

The bill, promised by President Francois Hollande during his election campaign last year, allows for same-sex marriage and adoption by gay parents.

Mr Hollande's Socialists and their allies command enough parliamentary support to see it through. However, opponents have outnumbered supporters at recent demonstrations.

Between 340,000 and 800,000 people surged into Paris on 13 January for a rally against gay marriage, compared to between 125,000 and 400,000 who turned out on Sunday to support the bill.

The size of popular opposition and slickness of the "anti" campaign have surprised many, correspondents say.

Nonetheless, opinion polls suggest that around 55-60% of French people support gay marriage, though only about 50% approve of gay adoption.

 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for January 29, 2013
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.
Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.
Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.
Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
---