Marriage Equality in France

In 2012, France was finally moving closer and closer towards marriage equality. It seemed like it would be an easy win, since more than 60% of French people were in favor of passing the law.

François Hollande expected to legalize gay marriage http://t.co/voNn1iXT #France #LGBT

— All Out (@AllOut) 7 May 2012

However, in October, a massive anti-gay movement sprung into action, determined to stop the progress of equality. France didn't back down.

All Out started a campaign to help show the French government how much people across the country – and the world – supported marriage equality. We launched an online petition signed by more than 30,000 All Out members in just three days. About 600 of our members volunteered to organize pro-equality street rallies in their cities.

Followers in #Paris #France? RSVP for a HISTORIC event in the streets for marriage equality: http://t.co/UIGRzwS2 #LGBT

— All Out (@AllOut) 14 November 2012

On 15 November 2012, All Out members organized rallies in 16 different French cities in support of marriage equality. Our powerful public statements grabbed media attention and increased public opinion support for marriage equality.

On January 28, All Out delivered our petition to French Minister of Women's Rights and government spokesperson Najat Vallaud-Belkacem.

On the same day, we appeared on television to talk about the campaign and explain the mobilization for marriage equality. One day later the petition for marriage equality reached 200,000 signatures, becoming the largest marriage equality petition in France! On January 30, which was the day before the first vote at the Assemblée Nationale we delivered the petition directly to the government.

On February 12, the marriage equality law passed the national assembly, meaning it only needed to pass a vote in the senate, which was expected to happen in April 2013.

April came and the vote was expected to be extremely close. Anti-gay movements were pushing from one side as we were fighting for equality on the other.

All Out started a fundraiser to pay for an ad on one of France's most important newspapers, Le Monde, on the day of the first vote. More than 500 members chipped in during two days of fundraising.

It reads: "A message from more than 200,00 All Out members in France: We celebrate the diversity of families in France and we claim for equality for ALL FAMILIES"

The law passed on to the next stage, to be voted on April 12. That round of voting was also successful!

Phew. Huge day for #marriageequality in #France as the Senate passes the law onto the next step, keep sharing! http://t.co/1oH9QxhmuR

— All Out (@AllOut) 12 April 2013

Finally, on April 23, the last stage of voting happened and the marriage equality law was finally adopted: after a long fight, love finally won!

All Out members are proud to have helped achieve this amazing victory, and we'll continue pushing for equality – in France and all around the world.

Feeling inspired? Join our ranks as an Equality Champion and help All Out continue to fight for love and equality.