France is the 14th country to legalise gay marriage, as President Francois Hollande signed the measure into law. The legislation also legalises gay adoption.

The constitutional council yesterday threw out a challenge from right wing opponents of the bill, saying the law was constitutional.

The debate over the law has been contentious and has even spilled over into violent protest in several French cities.
Francois Hollande made the legalisation of gay marriage one of his pre-election promises.

Hollande said: "I have taken [the decision]; now it is time to respect the law of the Republic."

Opinion polls suggest some 55-60% of French people support gay marriage, while 50% are in support of gay adoption.

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