Anti-gay Dismay: Violent Clashes as France Legalizes Same-sex Marriage
Fiery clashes broke out between protesters and police in Paris on Tuesday, hours after France legalized gay marriage. The vote followed a wrenching national debate that exposed deep conservatism in the nation's heartland and triggered huge demonstrations. Legions of police officers stayed late into the night. A protest against the measure turned violent near the Invalides complex of museums and monuments. Protesters threw glass bottles, cans and metal bars at police, who responded with tear gas. Some chanted "Hollande resignation!" and "Socialist dictatorship!" In a display of irony, two protesters held a banner reading, "I love CRS," the acronym for the French riot police units. Protesters also reportedly targeted journalists, throwing glass bottles and spraying tear gas at them.