Thousands of opponents of a gay marriage bill thronged the streets of Paris Sunday in a last-ditch bid to block the legislation, under the watchful eye of police after recent violence over the divisive issue. The mass protest comes just two days ahead of a decisive parliamentary vote Tuesday on the bill -- which also allows adoption by gay couples -- that would make France the 14th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.
Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of the legislation gathered on one of the main squares in the capital to protest against homophobia.
"Those who are for more equality must also make themselves heard," said Bertrand Delanoe, the Paris mayor who is himself gay, describing the recent violence as "a form of barbarism and regression."
Supporters of the bill, while less vocal than those against it, have also staged large-scale protests in the past months.
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