Two men have become the first gay couple to marry in France, saying "oui" in the southern city of Montpellier while surrounded by tight security. Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau’s nuptials were broadcast live on French TV. The mayor of Montpellier, Helene Mandroux, conducted the ceremony, announcing "I now pronounce you united in marriage." Autin, a gay rights campaigner, made a short speech after the ceremony thanking supporters. "Love yourselves, let's love ourselves, because it's important," he said. BBC reports extra police were drafted in amid fears the extreme-right might turn up. On Sunday, at least 150,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Paris to denounce the same-sex marriage bill, which was signed into law on 18 May.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 30th May 2013 - 9:48am