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People demonstrate for the government project to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption for same-sex couples in Paris, Sunday Dec. 16, 2012. French President Francois Hollande said he would enact his "marriage for everyone" plan within a year of coming to power in May. However, vocal opposition from religious leaders, some politicians, and some rural areas, has divided the country over whether gay couples should be given the same rights.
PARIS—Tens of thousands of people supporting the Socialist government's plan to legalize same-sex marriage and adoptions in France have marched in a Paris demonstration.

President Francois Hollande has said he would enact his "marriage for everyone" plan within a year of taking office last May. The text will go to parliament next month. But vocal opposition from religious leaders, some politicians and parts of rural France has divided the country.

Estimates of those in Sunday's peaceful march ranged from 60,000 to 150,000 with banners reading "A Gay Marriage Is Better Than A Sad One" or "Single, Free in Solidarity." The words "equality" and "choice" dominated the march of male and female couples, children and supporters.

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