France to hold first gay wedding amid protest fears
ԱշխարհThe first official gay wedding is due to take place in France amid tight security and fears of protests after months of opposition that saw tens of thousands take to the streets. The city authorities have called in up to 100 police units, with another 80 in reserve, to provide security during the wedding ceremony, AFP reported.
Vincent Autin, 40, and Bruno Boileau, 30, will exchange vows at the city hall in the southern city of Montpellier at 15 30 GMT (19 30 Moscow Time) in the presence of hundreds of guests, including the Socialist government's spokeswoman Najat Vallaud-Belkacem.
Vallaud-Belkacem said she was attending the ceremony as a private citizen and not a state representative, after the government backed away from sending officials fearing it would be accused of politicising the event.
The southern city of Montpellier is widely known as the “French San Francisco” for its gay-friendly reputation.
Supporters and opponents of the bill legalizing gay marriages began protesting last autumn when the bill was adopted by the cabinet. Opponents held regular demonstrations throughout the country as it made its way through France’s parliament.