New legislation which will be introduced into the French Parliament as early as October will allow gay couples to marry.

Fulfilling a campaign pledge by French President, Francois Hollande, the bill will allow the marriage of gay couples as well as the option to adopt.

Prime Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, had previously announced in parliament that gay couples would be permitted to marry and adopt children in 2013. He addressed members of the Socialist Party on Saturday:

“In October, we will send a bill to the National Assembly and the Senate to allow same-sex couples to marry. It would also allow them to form families and adopt children.”

The bill will be introduced to both houses of Parliament in October, both of which will have to approve the bill, after debate.

If approved, France will join several other countries in the EU which recognise and allow same-sex marriages. Some experts have speculated on the reception of the bill in Parliament, and whether it will be well received.

The Catholic Bishops Conference in France, in opposition to gay adoption, recently released the text of a prayer it recommended churches use, including a line which entreated children to: “fully benefit from the love of a father and a mother”.