The first gay marriage in France went ahead last night despite protests.
Forty year-old Vincent Autin married partner Bruno Boileau in an emotional ceremony at Montpellier town hall. The pair, wearing black suits, walked up the aisle to a soundtrack of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra and were married by the Socialist mayor of Montpellier Hélène Mandroux.
The pair were referred to as ‘spouses’ during the ceremony, The Guardian reports.
They received a standing ovation from guests after the Mayor declared:
“I now pronounce you united in marriage.”
Autin’s mother attended the ceremony wearing a placard round her neck reading ‘proud to have a gay son’.
After the ceremony, broadcast on French TV, a tearful M Autin thanked supporters. He told them, according to an AFP report:. “Love yourselves, let’s love ourselves, because it’s important.”
Shortly before the ceremony, protesters had attempted to invade the town hall with firecrackers and a gas canister but were repelled by police.
Later 30 year-old Boileau told the guests: “After the hatred, it’s time to talk of love.”
