FRANCE: Minor scuffles break out between anti-gay marriage demonstrators and counter protesters in Paris.

Record ID: 277851

  • Title: FRANCE: Minor scuffles break out between anti-gay marriage demonstrators and counter protesters in Paris.
  • Date: 17th April 2013
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (APRIL 17, 2013) (REUTERS) ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE PROTESTERS FACING COUNTER-PROTESTERS COUNTER-PROTESTERS HOLDING BANNER READING (French): "HOMOPHOBIA KILLS" COUNTER PROTESTER GESTURING AT ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE PROTESTER SCUFFLES BETWEEN PROTESTERS, POLICE PUSHING BACK ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE PROTESTERS POLICE FACING ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE PROTESTERS POLICE FACING COUNTER-PROTES
  • Embargoed: 2nd May 2013 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: France
  • Country: France
  • Topics: People,Lifestyle
  • Reuters ID: LVA6KNCCH7BJDGT1JFRJ9AAWEYSR
  • Story Text: An anti-gay marriage protest suffered a rocky start in Paris on Wednesday (April 17) as counter-protesters scuffled with demonstrators.
    Anti-gay marriage protesters gathered for the second of their daily marches which are set to continue all week on the day when the French bill legalising gay marriage returned to the National Assembly lower house for a final reading after being passed by the Senate.
    As protesters were gathering, counter-protesters wielding a banner reading "Homophobia Kills" staged a face-off with anti-gay marriage protesters. A small scuffle ensued which was broken up by riot police who separated the groups.
    One counter-protester who withheld his name described the anti-gay marriage protesters as 'fascists'.
    "Because they've taken the moment of this question about gay marriage to take to the streets unhindered, fascists are increasingly on the streets and we can't do anything about it. Every time they meet they cover themselves with this story of defending children and the family. Work, family, fatherland - that should remind you of something. It evokes something for us," he told journalists.
    The series of marches was coordinated by the "Protest for Everyone" movement, whose name references the "Marriage for Everyone" nickname of the gay marriage movement.
    Comedian Frigide Barjot is the group's figurehead and arrived at the protest to a warm reception, being greeted with flowers and chocolates.
    Barjot said that people should stop being surprised at the group's turnout, which numbered in the thousands on Wednesday evening.
    "You've seen us for six months now, stop being surprised. You can well see that this isn't something violent or anti-gay. It's a sincere and spontaneous expression by people who are saying, 'Listen to us, because we're telling you the truth about what a human being is.' It's not above all a gay or straight person, it's above all people who make children between themselves. And that is who founded all our rights and laws," she said.
    The protest continued to the sound of bells and chants towards the French National Assembly building.
    The law, set to pass its second reading without a hitch, marks French President Hollande's biggest social reform since his election last year.
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