Gay marriage march ahead of debate

HUNDREDS of thousands of people have marched through Paris to support gay marriage and adoption - days before the measures are due to be debated in the National Assembly.

Police estimated yesterday's turnout at 125,000, while organisers claimed 400,000 demonstrators on the route from Denfert-Rochereau to the Place de la Bastille.

Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoë was among those taking part. The march comes a fortnight after an anti-gay marriage march in the capital saw at least 340,000 people take to the streets.

Gay marriage was one of President Hollande's election pledges and the National Assembly will discuss the proposed reforms from Tuesday. Some members of the UMP are calling for a referendum on the issue.