The nation's lower house approved a marriage bill, which will also give same-sex couples the right to adopt.

 

　　However, opponents, including the UMP opposition party are vowing to block the bill in the constitutional council.

 

　　Herve Mariton, a member of the UMP party:

 

　　"the definition of wedding in France in our town halls which is very different to what exists in the rest of world, the definition of adoption in France which is very much different, adoption in France is a complete re-writing of the birth certificate, you're supposed to be born from the two parents that are adopting you, this means two fathers, two mothers, we believe this goes against constitutional principles."

 

　　Thousands of police armed with water cannons were earlier deployed near parliament to deal with any possible violence.

 

　　Although rallies opposing the change have been largely peaceful, there have been some clashes blamed on far-right elements.

 

　　Analysts say the bill is expected to be passed by the council, and signed into law by socialist President Francois Hollande.

 

　　France is now the 14th country to legalize gay marriage after New Zealand last week.