French President Francois Hollande signed into law a measure legalizing gay marriage and adoption.
With the step, France will become the eighth country in Europe, and the 14th in the world, to make same-sex marriage legal.
The bill faced several mass protests and legal challenges from right-wing opponents, but France’s Constitutional Council ruled on May 17 that same-sex marriage "did not run contrary to any constitutional principles" and does not infringe on "basic rights or liberties or national sovereignty."
Also on May 17, United Nations officials marked International Day Against Homophobia.
Antigay protesters broke up homosexual rights rallies the same day in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, and in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
In Tbilisi, 28 people were reported to have received light injuries in clashes.
With the step, France will become the eighth country in Europe, and the 14th in the world, to make same-sex marriage legal.
ALSO READ: Violence Mars 'Day Against Homophobia' In Georgia
The bill faced several mass protests and legal challenges from right-wing opponents, but France’s Constitutional Council ruled on May 17 that same-sex marriage "did not run contrary to any constitutional principles" and does not infringe on "basic rights or liberties or national sovereignty."
Also on May 17, United Nations officials marked International Day Against Homophobia.
Antigay protesters broke up homosexual rights rallies the same day in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, and in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
In Tbilisi, 28 people were reported to have received light injuries in clashes.