Protest In France Targets Gay Marriage

Riot police spray tear gas on demonstrators during clashes on the Champs-Elysees.

Hundreds of thousands of people have marched in Paris to protest legislation allowing gay marriage and adoption in France.

Reports say scuffles broke out and police used tear gas to evict protesters from the famed Champs-Elysees Avenue.

Official police estimates put the turnout of the March 24 demonstration at around 300,000.

The measure to legalize same-sex marriage and allow gay couples to adopt children has already been approved by the lower chamber of parliament and is due to be examined by the Senate in April.

The legislation is backed by President Francois Hollande.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa