Huge anti-gay marriage protest march in Paris
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2013/05/2900.jpg
Protester: "We are here to defend marriage"
Tens of thousands of protesters against France's new same-sex marriage are marching in the capital Paris, amid a heavy police presence.
They are rallying against the law recently signed by President Francois Hollande, following heated debates.
Officials have warned that violent hardliners could infiltrate the rally, but it has so far been peaceful.
Fifty protesters were arrested on Saturday evening for blocking the capital's Champs-Elysees avenue.
France is now the ninth country in Europe, and 14th globally, to legalise gay marriage.
But French people have been bitterly divided over the issue. On Tuesday, a far-right historian shot himself dead in Notre Dame Cathedral, leaving messages in which he denounced gay marriage.
I am an ass. I voted Hollande” - Anti-gay protester in Paris
'Ultras'
French police says that 150,000 protesters are taking part in the march in central Paris, but the organisers say the number is closer to one million.
One demonstrator dressed in black, holding a scythe and wearing a mask of Mr Hollande, stood behind a coffin in which lay a mannequin dressed as Marianne - the emblem of France.
Some marchers drove donkeys, one of which bore a placard which read, "I am an ass. I voted Hollande".
The demonstrators headed in columns from a number of points around the city to the Invalides complex.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2013/05/2901.jpg
Leading activist Virginie Tellene, aka Frigide Barjot, greeted protesters
