Tens of thousands rally in France to back gay marriage
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A man dressed up as a nun holds a placard reading "Our children have the right to be protected as well" during a demonstration for the legalisation of gay marriage and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) parenting, in Paris on Dec 16, 2012 . -- PHOTO: AFP
PARIS (AFP) - Tens of thousands of demonstrators turned out in France on Sunday to show support for the government's plans to legalise gay marriage and adoption.
Organisers said 150,000 people gathered in Paris at the Place de la Bastille for the "demonstration for equality". Police said 60,000 took part.
They have called for another demo on January 27, two days before the French parliament is to debate the gay marriage bill.
Several elected officials wearing their tri-coloured sashes could be seen alongside parents pushing strollers and children with multi-coloured balloons at Sunday's event.
