Over 1,000 French mayors are calling for the scrapping of controversial proposals to redefine marriage, as President Hollande faces mounting opposition over the issue.
President Hollande’s Socialist Government is keen to press ahead with redefining marriage, but around the country civic leaders are voicing alarm at the move.
Some 1,200 mayors and their deputies have signed a petition calling for the proposals to be dropped and for a referendum on the issue.
Concern
The petition also says that if marriage is redefined in the country then officials should be allowed a conscience clause opt-out that would allow them not to perform same-sex marriages.
There have also been widespread protests against the move in 75 cities around the nation, as well as concerns from the country’s religious groups and opposition politicians.
President Hollande has reportedly admitted that opponents of his plans to redefine marriage are proving to be “tough”.
A bill on same-sex marriage is set to be presented on Wednesday at a meeting of the French Cabinet.
Mother
Last month it was revealed that the words “mother” and “father” are set to be stripped from official documents in France.
The move would see the word “parents” used in identical marriage ceremonies for both heterosexual and homosexual weddings.
François Hollande made clear his desire to bring in same-sex marriage in his manifesto – unlike the major political parties in the run up to the UK general election in 2010.
Petition
However the coalition Government in Westminster is now intent on redefining marriage.
The controversial move comes in the face of political opposition and despite over 610,000 people signing a petition against the change.