France ruling backs gay marriage

A law recognising same-sex marriage took effect in May, but proved controversial and sparked violent protests. Several mayors rejected it as a matter of "conscience".

The Constitutional Council ruled on Friday that the law did not provide a "conscience clause" for its opponents.

There were massive street protests against the law earlier this year.

The issue aroused stronger than expected opposition in France, with opinion polls suggesting nearly half of the population oppose gay marriage.

Protests against the bill attracted some of the biggest public demonstrations seen in France in decades.

A group of mayors and registrars had appealed against the legislation, saying it should include a "freedom of conscience" clause allowing them to opt out of conducting same-sex marriages if it goes against their personal religious or moral beliefs.

They argued that the lack of such a clause went against the French constitution.

In a five-page judgement, the Constitutional Council said the disputed part of the legislation is constitutional.

Next steps

President Francois Hollande and his ruling Socialist Party made the legislation their flagship social reform after their election in 2012.

But the bill was dogged by fierce debate in parliament, legal challenges and massive street protests before it became law on 17 May.

France became the 14th country worldwide - and the ninth in Europe - to legalise gay marriage.

Since the law was passed some 600 gay couples have been married.

In the handful of cases where mayors have refused to conduct the ceremonies, their deputies have stepped in.

The mayors have previously said they would take their case to the European Court of Human Rights if the French court rules against them.