France joined the ranks of 13 other countries on Saturday when President François Hollande signed a law to legalize gay marriage. The passage of the law comes a month after the French Senate ratified the same-sex marriage and adoption bill in April.
“I will ensure that the law applies across the whole territory, in full, and I will not accept any disruption of these marriages,” Hollande said, according to The New York Times.
France became the ninth country in Europe to allow same-sex couples to marry.
For the mayor of Montpellier, Hélène Mandroux, the French government has taken significant steps in promoting equality.
“Love has won out over hate,” Mandroux said, according to Reuters.
Despite the passing of the “marriage for all” act, protests against gay marriage have persisted, with thousands of people participating in marches in Paris. According to an analysis by Hugh Schofield of BBC News, protestors are planning another demonstration on May 26.
Because French law requires a 10-day consideration period after a bill is passed, the first ceremonies can take place no sooner than May 29.