France has become the 14th country to approve a law allowing gay marriage.
The bill, which also legalises adoption by same-sex couples, was passed by 321 votes to 225 in the French parliament.
The decision follows a divisive public debate with some of the biggest protests seen in France in recent years.
Hundreds of opponents of the measure rallied outside the National Assembly building in central Paris as the result was announced.
Several hundred opponents of the new law were out in force, led by Frigide Barjot (centre) The leader of the most high-profile group opposing same-sex marriage vowed to continue the fight.
Now the Frogs are at it
Now the Frogs are at it
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”