France clears final hurdle in legalizing marriage equality

After months of sometimes violent street demonstrations,  France's Constitutional Council gave the go-ahead to a law that will make France the 14th country to legalize same-sex marriage, in line with an election promise by Socialist President Francois Hollande.

"The law allowing same-sex marriage conforms with the constitution," the council said in a statement.

The first gay weddings could take place as early as June, although some mayors across the country have refused to administer the ceremonies.

France, a predominantly Catholic country, follows 13 others including Canada, Denmark, Sweden and most recently Uruguay and New Zealand in allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed.

In the United States, Washington D.C. and 12 states have legalized marriage equality.

(source)