"Gaie Paris": The Fight for Equality Comes to the City of Love

Supporters cross a bridge by the Notre Dame
© Freedom Requires Wings

FRANCE -- Between 60,000 to 150,000 people waving rainbow flags, chanting slogans, and blowing whistles filled the Place de la Bastille, Paris, Sunday; the same square where interim president François Hollande stood not 7 months ago during his election night speech before a similar scene and assured them all the points of his program would be carried out.

Marriage equality was one of those points, making Sunday's rally the most symbolic one yet in the French fight for equal rights. The rally was to support equal marriage, adoption and Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) bills due to be voted on in Parliament in the New Year, and to denounce the recent surge of homophobia in the country since the debate started.

60,000 people took to the streets of Paris according to police estimates, and 150,000 according to the organizers. Some papers estimated 80,000 participants, others 100,000, the numbers still unclear. In November, 70,000 anti protesters took to the same streets to protest against the bills.

Tight Security at French Marriage Equality Rally

Yes, that's me. It's on the internet. Hello Mum! © 2012 Anthony Rojo

FRANCE -- "Those people at the Place des Quinconces would be the subjects of a fantastic scientific study!" cried Mayinza Banthoud from the pro-equality Youth for Ecology association, "They're trying to travel back in time to the 1950s! But we invite them to join us here in the 21st century!" - the crowd laughed and cheered.

France: Marriage equality and adoption for all is en route!

(S)

As you may know François Hollande was elected French President last month, making him the first socialist President since François Mitterand. Earlier this month, his Socialist Party obtained the majority in the parlementary elections, which means if they want to pass a law there's not much anyone can do to stop them; which is great news for LGBT people in France.

In his presidential campaign, amongst other things, was his promise for marriage equality, and it seems that he is keeping his word.