French First Lady Waiting to Witness Gay Weddings

Valerie Trierweiler

The First Lady of France says that she has already been invited to several planned weddings of gay couples, pending proposed legislation to legalize marriage equality in France.

Valerie Trierweiler, who is dating French President Francois Hollande, told the Agence France-Presse that she has been asked to act as a witness for one couple. The law is expected to be addressed by Parliament in the coming session, however conservatives and religious leaders have promised a staunch fight against the law. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in November to oppose the law, but public opinion polls show that most people agree with extending marriage rights to same-sex couples.

Hollande, who has expressed support for marriage equality, however, recently said the law should allow mayors the refrain from presiding over ceremonies if they do not agree with marriage equality. Some gay rights activists saw the move as condoning homophobia, according to the AFP.