Hollande stays firm on gay marriage
Monday 14 January 2013
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EmailFrance's ruling Socialist Party showed no sign today of backing down on plans to legalise gay marriage and adoption, despite the weekend's huge march against its policies.
Opposition politicians stepped up calls for a referendum on the issue following a massive turn-out in Paris - 800,000 according to organisers, 340,000 according to police.
But a statement after Sunday's rally made it clear that President Francois Hollande would press ahead.
Justice Minister Christiane Taubira ruled out an "unconstitutional" referendum on the issue.
Opponents of the Bill had travelled from all over France for the demonstration supported by the centre-right opposition, the Catholic church and Muslims.
British fascist Nick Griffin joined the march alongside his friends in the French National Front.
Despite months of well-attended protests however, opinion polls have shown consistently that most voters support the right of gay couples to marry and hold adoption rights.
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