The bill, promoted by President François Hollande and his Socialist Party, which controls the legislature, passed by 329 to 229 in the National Assembly, despite loud opposition from religious leaders and from the center-right and months of mass protests and counter-protests.

Marchers in support of same-sex marriage. Yes Yes Yes, Equality http://www.ouiouioui.org supports the right to same-sex marriage, filiation and medically assisted procreation (procréation médicalement assistée).

The bill will come before the Senate, which is also controlled by the Socialists and their allies, for confirmation. It is expected to pass.

France now joins Britain in in allowing gay marriage and adoption — making them the largest European countries to do so. The Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Spain, as well as Argentina, Canada and South Africa have authorised same-sex marriage, along with nine U.S. states and the District of Columbia.