Two weeks ago, opponents in France of gay marriage and adoption staged one of the biggest demonstrations in years. Approximately 340,000 people marched through central Paris to oppose a National Bill that will go before the National Assembly next week. Although same-sex marriages are well established in some European countries, propositions to introduce it has seen strong resistance in France. Same-sex unions are not at all the issue. It is the issue of same- sex marriage and adoption that is a matter of concern.
This clearly sparks very interesting debates mainly concerning the reasons as to why so many in a generally liberal country should oppose what it now more and more considered a fundamental right in many other country countries.
President Hollande, has suffered enormous criticism for his handling of France’s economic weaknesses. He risks further disapproval on this issue should The National Assembly vote to not pass the adoption bill for gay couples as this was one of his campaign promises.
There are several reasons for France to stand out on this issue.
The first reason is the way the institutions in France are structured. France is one of the only countries, if not the only one to require couples to marry in a civil ceremony whether they choose to have a religious wedding one or not. In contrast, in other countries, priests, rabbis and imams who conduct weddings are also registered as civil officials and the marriage registered in church, synagogue or mosque is registered automatically by law. However, since in France civil marriages are compulsory, any changes to the civil code affect everyone. This may help to understand why so many people are opposed to the issue.
Another significant argument could be that France is a majority Catholic country and that the importance that the Church plays in society shapes its views on gay marriages and adoption in the ways that we are seeing today. The Papacy was after all based in Avignon, France between the years of 1309 to 1376. It may therefore be perceived that the remnants of strong Catholic views on marriage, homosexuality and the raising of children still persist in modern day France.
However, the core issue of this political debate is not one which is related to any legal or religious issues. It is essentially about children and the social role of the family. Although the French are extremely tolerant, they are profoundly attached to the family and the defense and protection of children.
Americans often perceive Europeans as being much more to the left on social issues but the reality of the matter is not that simple. For instance, abortion laws are much more relaxed in the United States than in most European countries. Also, while most European countries have established same-sex marriage laws, adoption by homosexual couples is generally not acceptable. In contrast, in most US states, adoption is legal for homosexual couples.
Essentially the most potent arguments against gay marriage revolve around the interest of children and this argument is based on solid evidence that children are best raised when done so by a mother and a father. The general belief of those opposing and what can be seen on banners and signs in Paris is, “A father and a mother, it’s simple” and “All born of a father and a mother”.
The fact that the issues really are not about Catholic values nor about homophobia, and that the protests are centered around every child needing a mother and a father demonstrates strongly to what extent many in French society is centered around the protection of children and of what it perceives is best for their well-being. It equally demonstrates that the society is capable of not compromising traditional belief systems that it is convinced works best for the benefit of its children. Many believe that the reform would create psychological and social problems for children which may or may not be the case but it is rightfully, obviously too important and sensitive an issue to take chances on and experiment with.
The National Assembly’s debates will end in the middle of February and no doubt, no matter which way the majority votes go, a can of worms will most definitely be opened with regards to gay couples and their rights and the definitions of what constitutes the best paths for the well-being of children.
In any case, from the mass opposition it may seem that France, although liberal and tolerant on most social and humanitarian issues, has tilted toward a more traditional, perhaps slightly more conservative position on this particular issue. There is no doubt that whatever law is eventually passed, hopefully the principal concerns will continue being those of protecting children and providing the best for them.
