French Senate approves key section of marriage bill

Yesterday, the Senate in France approved the most significant portion of a bill that would extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. The vote, one of the last key steps in the process of ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage in France, all but assures that France will become the latest country to approve the freedom to marry to all loving couples.

The French Senate voted 179 to 157 in favor of ending the restriction of marriage for same-sex couples, and while the legislation faces several additional votes before the bill as a whole is approved, final passage is now considered assured. French President François Hollande, who has vocally supported the freedom to marry this year, is certain to sign the bill, and the National Assembly approved the measure earlier this year. 

Freedom to Marry founder and President Evan Wolfson applauded the Senate vote yesterday. He said:

France is poised to become the latest country - 16 on four continents - where loving and committed gay couples can share in the freedom to marry, and it won't be the last this year. Like France, the United States extols liberty, equality, and fairness; it is time for our country, too, to end the denial of marriage and live up to our best values.

This year, momentum for the freedom to marry has surged internationally, with the United KingdomNew Zealand, and Uruguay all taking huge steps toward extending the freedom to marry to citizens.  

Learn more about the freedom to marry abroad HERE.