France Sets The Date: October 31st

The French government has named October 31st as the day when the first draft of its marriage equality law will be approved.

Despite widespread political and religious opposition, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault insisted there would be no backtracking on a manifesto promise by President Francois Hollande in an interview with AFP. More than 1,200 French mayors and deputy mayors have signed a petition opposing the government’s plans, with many of them warning they will not preside over same-sex ceremonies. However, this represents less than one percent of the total number of mayors and deputy mayors in France.

The Socialist Party holds a strong majority and President Francois Hollande has vowed that same-sex marriages will commence nationwide by summer.