The administration of French President
Francois Hollande has committed to implementing his pledge to
legalize gay marriage.
According to PinkNews.co.uk,
a communique issued by the office of Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault
to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
(IDAHO) also reiterated Hollande's campaign promises to the gay
community.
“On the occasion of International Day
Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the
Government's commitment against violence and discrimination
perpetrated as a result of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“The Government is determined to
challenge prejudice and put an end to discrimination and violence.
It will implement the commitment of the President of the Republic to
the right to marriage and adoption to gay couples.”
Hollande, a Socialist, was sworn into
office this week after a stunning victory over incumbent President
Nicolas Sarkozy.
Polls show Socialists possibly winning
both houses of Parliament during a two-round election on June 10 and
17, which would give Hollande the votes he needs to pass his reforms.
While Sarkozy promised in 2007 to
reform PACS, a form of domestic partnership which offers
significantly fewer protections to gay and lesbian couples than
marriage, into something closer to Britain's civil partnership, the
law has not changed. During the campaign he reiterated his
opposition to marriage equality, saying that “For me, a family is a
father and a mother, not two fathers or two mothers.”