Tens of thousands of French families, activists and conservatives
have marched in Paris protesting against a bill that if passed would
allow same-sex marriage and adoption. Police fired teargas to prevent
protesters from entering the Champs Elysees.
Demonstrators gathered Sunday in the center of the French
capital for a final mass protest against the controversial bill
that if backed in the Senate during April’s, vote may become law as
early as the summer. So far the draft has been passed in the lower house of parliament.
Currently French gay men and women are allowed to adopt as
individuals if approved by social services.
Protestors demand the government withdraw the bill instead
putting the issue to the public through project a referendum.
Over 60 percent of the French support gay marriage, though just
under half support adoption by same sex couples.The law was a key
electoral pledge by Hollande, but his critics say he has tried to
push it through without broad public consensus.
Flags unfolded from the balconies along the protesters’ route read "We want work not gay marriage," and "No to gayxtremism."
Earlier this week Paris police banned protesters from demonstrating on the Champs Elysees, a move that demonstrators called “political decision dressed up as a police measure”.
Despite the ban some 200 protesters still tried to proceed to the world-famous avenue, provoking police officers to use teargas, AFP photographers said.
Sunday, official police estimated the turnout at around 300,000; a similar rally in January officially drew about 340,000 people.
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