Google – AFP, 29 may 2013
Vincent
Autin (L) and Bruno Boileau (C) kiss during their wedding, France's
first
official gay marriage on May 29, 2013 (AFP, Gerard Julien)
|
MONTPELLIER,
France — Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau said "I do" on Wednesday in
France's first official gay marriage, as hundreds of guests and journalists
looked on in the highly emotional ceremony.
"I now
pronounce you united in marriage by law", Helene Mandroux, the visibly
moved mayor of the southern city of Montpellier, told the couple to general
applause, as Frank Sinatra's song "Love and Marriage" filled the
room.
The
high-profile ceremony, also attended by the Socialist government's spokeswoman
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, is the apex of months of huge divisions in France over
a bill allowing same-sex marriage and adoption.
The bill
was finally signed into law on May 18 to the cheers of supporters, but
opponents have vowed to fight on and tens of thousands converged on Paris
Sunday for a demonstration that ended in violence.
Autin, 40,
made a short speech after the ceremony thanking supporters and his family,
frequently breaking down in tears. "Love yourselves, let's love ourselves,
because it's important," he said.
Mandroux
then read out a letter by Jack Lang, a former culture and education minister
who is gay. "Your happiness delights me... Here's to love, here's to
life."
The
ceremony took place under police surveillance, but no major incidents were reported.
Supporters
of same-sex marriage had gathered outside the town hall in Montpellier where
the marriage took place, as had some opponents who let off several flares.
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