PARIS, May 18 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande signed the bill on gay marriage into law on Saturday after it was approved by the Constitutional Council on Friday, the president's office announced.
By legalizing the same-sex marriage, Hollande has successfully delivered one of his major campaign pledges, shifting the "marriage for all" from dream to reality.
The bill is the most important social reform in France since the abolition of the death penalty in 1981, making France the ninth country in Europe and the 14th globally to legalize same-sex marriage.
The Socialist head of state hailed the birth of the law. Commending its validation by the Constitutional Council on Friday afternoon, Hollande said "it is time to respect the law of the Republic."
He said he will ensure that "the law applies across the whole territory, in full, and I will not accept any disruption of these marriages".
The controversial law has taken tens of thousands of French citizen, mainly the right-wingers and religious groups, to the street to fight against it for months.
The bill was legally challenged by opponents who doubt its consistency with the constitution, saying it changed the definition of marriage. But they were turned down by the Constitutional Council who ruled that "the law allowing same-sex conforms with the constitution."
However, the French highest court made it clear in a statement that the legality of gay adoption did not establish the "right to a child" and emphasising that the interests of the children involved would continue to be the overriding consideration.
Supporters were greatly cheered up by the victory. French daily Liberation reported "tidings of pride for all" and happiness sweeping through the gay community, and thousands of gay lovers sent messages on social network to make their marriage proposals.
Justice Minister Christiane Taubira "welcomed" the decision of the Constitutional Council, adding that all the conditions are ready for the new law to be applied nationwide since it was promulgated by the president.
Failed in the challenge, outraged opponents vowed to fight on. Frigide Barjot, leader of the anti-gay-marriage for all movement, blamed the law to "change the civilization" of France.
"Our struggle continues, " she said. "I am sure there will be even more people to the street on May 26" to demonstrate their discontent with the law.
Supporters, on the other hand, plan to embrace the new law by holding the first gay wedding on May 29, which will be officially chaired by the mayor of France's southern town of Montpellier.
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