Bastille Day celebrations at the weekend, which included lighting up the Eiffel Tower in rainbow colours, have come under criticism by opponents to equal marriage in France.

Despite denials by French authorities that the light show was to signify equal marriage, opponents took to Twitter to criticise images which appeared online.

During the annual lights show, a man’s voice was heard on a voiceover saying: “All living beings – man, woman and child – walk in the same vein: equality,” as accompanied by music.

“Every human being is a shade of this rainbow palette,” it continued, reports France24. “For every human, the same opportunities.”

Supporters of equal marriage tweeted images of the rainbow light display, using the hashtage “#mariagepourtous”, meaning: “marriage for all”. The hashtag, and slogan, were used heavily during the lead up to France passing equal marriage legislation.

Those opposed to equal marriage and gay rights, tweeted in response, calling for the resignation of French President Francois Hollande.

According to reports, however, the Paris city hall denied that the rainbow lights were to advocate for equal rights, and instead were a tribute to Nelson Mandela, former South African President.

Following months of sometimes violent protests, and a substantial rise in homophobic attacks, French President Hollande signed the law making France the fourteenth country in the world to allow equal marriage, two weeks ago.

After the ceremony, whilst opening mail regarding the passing of equal marriage, government officials found threats, including a package of faeces addressed to Montpellier’s mayor.