How lovely. France has officially become an equal-marriage country. Within days, many French gay couples will finally be able to celebrate legal matrimony. French wedding cake bakers and caterers delight by the news of business galore!

The bill passed in the French Parliament April 1 and became law this weekend after Présidente Françoise Hollande signed and made France the highest populous country for same-sex marriage.

The celebration has not been without protest. Once it became evident that President Hollande intended to make good on this campaign promise, anti-gay rallies began to take hold in the streets of Paris. Most protestors were conservative religious groups (sounds familiar). Since the protests began, organizations for gay rights have reported a rise in physical assaults on gay men and lesbians. The strength of French citizen opposition to the law has surprised many. Protestors say they will continue and not give up their fight. However, President Hollande has made it clear he will not accept any disruption of the bill.

Last month, Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said: “We believe that the first weddings will be beautiful and that they’ll bring a breeze of joy, and that those who are opposed to them today will surely be confounded when they are overcome with the happiness of the newlyweds and the families,” she said.

14 countries around the world have legalized equal/gay marriage:

— New Zealand (in 2013) — Uruguay (2013) — Denmark (2012) — Argentina (2010) — Portugal (2010) — Iceland (2010) — Sweden (2009) — Norway (2009) — South Africa (2006) — Spain (2005) — Canada (2005) — Belgium (2003) — The Netherlands (2000)

In the U.S., Brazil and Mexico, same-sex marriage has been legalized only in some jurisdictions.

Many high points of France’s journey in making gay marriage legal have been documented. Here is the video:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8mj4QsQ3pI?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

It is a happy day for gay couples, as well as all French citizens who support gay marriage. We look forward to the same celebration in America soon. Until then, Vive La France! (Long Live France!)