Same-Sex Marriage Law in France

French President Francois Hollande

France has become the 14th country to legalize same-sex marriage, after President Francois Hollande signed the bill into law.

Mr. Hollande acted Saturday, a day after the Constitutional Council threw out a legal challenge by the right-wing opposition - the UMP party of former president Nicolas Sarkozy.

On Friday, the French leader said he would ensure that the law applies across the whole country, and he would not accept any disruption of the marriages.

French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said last month that the bill does not take away anyone's rights, while granting them to others. Taubira said the first marriages could occur as early as June.