France has passed a law to allow gay marriages, becoming the ninth nation in Europe to legalize gay marriage. President Hollande signed the law today, 18 May, and the first legal marriages will be held on 28 May.

The French gay marriage law faced stiff opposition by the Catholic Church and by many conservative groups. Catholics and right-wing politicians held numerous anti-gay marriage rallies throughout France over the past several months.

Gay marriage advocates promoted the law with a campaign of “mariage pour tous” (marriage for all).  The law moved forward after the French Conseil constitutionnel approved the measure. Libération reports on the constitutional process.

Libération reports on the new gay marriage law. Le Monde reports on the law, calling it a “just reform.” The BBC reports in English on gay marriage in France.

Libération also reports on a gay couple in Montpellier that plans to marry as soon as the law takes effect.