Paris: Thousands join protest march against same-sex marriage
Paris - The anti-same-sex marriage demonstration
The protests came in response to appeals from the Church and from the right wing to speak out against François Hollande's plan to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption by gay couples
alberto mattioliin paris
“Oui, oui, oui au mariage homme-femme!” “Un père, une mère, c’est élémentaire!” and "marriagophile, not homophobe" were just some of the slogans used in the protests. Between 13 and 19 today, Paris yet again becomes the world’s most beautiful stage. “La manif pour tous”, or “the demo for all” opposes the legalisation of same-sex unions and thus “marriage for all”. François Hollande’s bill will go to France’s National Assembly on the 29th. But today centre stage was occupied by those who believe marriage should only be between a man and a woman. And this side of France took to the streets in great style. It’s too soon to give exact numbers but less biased figures indicate a minimum of 150 thousand participants and a maximum of 500 thousand: in any case numbers are higher than the 60 thousand (according to police) or 150 thousand (according to the demonstration’s organisers) people that marched through Paris on 16 December to defend “égalité ” before the city’s mayor.
Catholic France in particular showed real muscle, though Protestants, Jews and Muslims also oppose the legislation. Colourful characters such as the comedian Frigide Barjot (obviously an artist’s name) gave interviews galore; especially Barjot, since she is a self-proclaimed “spokesman for Jesus” and against same-sex marriage. Catholic associationism has also been hugely active. No bishops have joined the march but the Bishop of Paris, Cardinal André Vingt-Trois turned up at one of the meeting points to “greet” demonstrators.
Even the demonstration is triune. Given participant numbers, three marches have been organised which will all converge into one mega gathering in Champ de Mars Park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Organisers are being very careful not to show hostility to gay demonstrators. Indeed, Civitas, a far-right Catholic group that sees homosexuality as a sin, staged a along another route. Demonstrators have been discouraged from displaying any form of political slogan.
Right-wing parties are being represented but as usual have split. Centre-right UMP members Jean-François Copé and former Prime Minister François Fillon, two of Sarkozy’s main rivals for the French Presidency, both oppose the bill. Copé who is more right-wing took to the streets to protest whereas the more moderate Fillon stayed at home. So did Front National, a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage. Marine Le Pen was nowhere to be seen. Her niece Marion, a party member is at the forefront of the protest. This is a massive event that is expected to influence public opinion. According to the latest polls, 56% are favour of same-sex marriage but this drops to 45% when it comes to adoption by same-sex couples. 46% are in favour of assisted procreation. The government on the other hand has said it is going ahead with the plans regardless. Lord Chancellor, Chriatiane Taubira, has informed that the content of the bill will remain as it is and that a referendum is out of the question.
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Taken from: http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/world-news/detail/articolo/nozze-gay-gay-marriage-matrimonio-gay-adozioni-adoptions-adopciones-21324/
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