Police in Paris arrested 50 opponents
of gay marriage on Saturday, a day before foes are expected to stage
a major protest against a recently approved French law making it the
14th nation to legalize such unions.
Demonstrators lined along the
Champs-Elysees, chaining themselves to metal barriers they placed in
the middle of Paris' famed boulevard. Dozens more protesters stood
by waving flags.
According to the AFP, some protesters
fired smoke canisters before police hauled them away. Police also
seized a van carrying masks, banners and smoke bombs.
Despite the arrests, the incident
passed without violence.
Sunday's demonstration is expected to
attract 20,000 demonstrators and comes just two days before the
legislation is set to take effect on Wednesday. It is sponsored by
the group Manif Pour Tous (Demonstration For All), which is helmed
by Frigide Barjot.