The French National Assembly passed a billed which would grant legal status to unmarried couples Wednesday. The bill would give recognized heterosexual and homosexual couples certain advantages including tax and inheritance benefits.
The bill had been vehemently opposed by demonstrators who feared that lesbian and gay couples would use the law to demand adoption rights. Tens of thousands of people protested the bill in public marches.
If passed by the Senate, the bill will next face review by the Constitutional Council.
