As you may know François Hollande was elected French President last month, making him the first socialist President since François Mitterand. Earlier this month, his Socialist Party obtained the majority in the parlementary elections, which means if they want to pass a law there's not much anyone can do to stop them; which is great news for LGBT people in France.





In his presidential campaign, amongst other things, was his promise for marriage equality, and it seems that he is keeping his word.





Yesterday, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault confirmed that a law legalizing marriage and adoption for same-sex couples would be voted in France in the next year or so. Minister for Family, Dominique Bertinotti has assured that the bill will be introduced to the Parlement this September, and by the end of 2013 all couples will have the right to marry.





The government has said that they will fight strongly against all discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Regarding trans people, the Prime Minister has said that a dialogue will be launched in September in order to make legal procedures easier for them.

Jean-Marc Ayrault also wants France to promote equal rights for all on an International level.





Nicolas Gougain, spokesman for the Inter-LGBT organisation, has declared that this was all very positive, and that it is the first time that a government has ever taken into considertion trans people's rights. However, he is disappointed that the Prime Minister made no mention of the opening to medically assisted procreation for lesbian couples.





I am quite pleasantly surprised about the government's stance on trans people's rights; as for marriage equality and adoption rights, I am very happy that it's finally happening but feel like saying "and it's about time too!"





I'm curious as to where the right stands regarding the socialist government's decisions...?





Chantal Jouanno, says that it's a "victory for civil rights". Rachida Dati, former minister of the UMP (Union for a Popular Movement), is said to be in favour of marriage equality, and has also declared that the right has never been against or opposed gay marriage. Now, now Rachida, that isn't true.





Nicolas Sarkozy himself said during his presidential campaign that he prefered the PACS (Civil Solidarity Pact) system for same-sex couples. And earlier this year, in February, François Fillon former French Prime Minister spoke-out against marriage equality.





Others, such as Christine Boutin, President of the Christian democratic party, strongly oppose the governement's decision and so to (try) avoid being seen as homophobic she prefers to promote childrens' rights. Here's what she said:

This decision is extremely serious. This is a change of civilization as we know it, as all society is built on the difference between sexes. I do not question the love between two people of the same sex, however if we look at it from a child's point of view, not all adult desires have to be satisfied.

She uses even stronger words by affirming that gay marriage will cause the "destruction of society". Really? Well I disagree with you Mrs Boutin, in my opinion allowing people to express their love openly for each other is in no way going to destroy society. I actually think that it's people who think like you who are unhealthy for society, just saying...





She also claims that by legalizing gay marriage we are transcending the fundamental rights of the child, like the right for a child to have a Mother and Father. So... Having two Dads or two Mums isn't better than having no parents at all? Or having two parents who beat their children? Or having two parents who had ended up having kids by accident? Gay couples have children because they want to be parents, they actually want a children; unlike some young couple who ended up parents because the condom broke!

You know children don't care whether they have two Dads, two Mums, or a Mum and a Dad; all they want is to be loved. A family where there's love is a healthy family no matter the gender of the parents.





Oh and here's another one who's worrying about children too. François Fondard, President of the UNAF (National Union of Family Associations) said:

My opposition to the bill allowing homosexual couples to adopt is based on the child's interest, on the child's right to have a family environment where they can build an identity and develop their personality.

Those kids really look unhappy, don't they? (S)

So Mr. Fondard you're worried about children who have gay parents not being able to build their identity or their personality? Here, maybe you should read this then. It should stop you worrying. I mean it's not as if children raised by gay couples were happy...





And what does France's predominantly Catholic population think of all this? Well, in 6 years there has been a big change in public opinion. 6 years ago a majority opposed gay marriage, but today 63% of France's population is in favour of marriage equality.





It looks like France is finally moving forward, and has finally understood that this is no longer the 19th century.





Oh and one last thing... It's Pride day in Paris today!



