French Legislators To Vote on Same-Sex Marriage

The measure is expected to pass in the lower house, but still faces stiff opposition

Same-sex marriage in France could take a step closer to reality Tuesday, as lawmakers vote on a controversial bill that would extend the right to marry and adopt to same-sex couples.

If the draft measure is approved as expected in France's National Assembly, it must still go before the Senate before it can become law.

If passed, it would mark the biggest step forward for French gay rights advocates in more than a decade.

Extending the right to marry and adopt to same-sex couples was one of President Francois Hollande's electoral pledges in campaigning last year.