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Hollande Denounces Homophobia

French President Francois Hollande hit out at “homophobic” acts by opponents of a same-sex marriage bill following violent protests that included an attack on a gay bar.
The interior minister asked protest organisers to throw out members of far-right organisations who have been involved in the violence, as opposition intensifies ahead of the bill’s expected final approval.
“Homophobic acts, violent acts have been committed. The right to protest is recognised by our constitution and accepted by the French. But no protest must degenerate,” Hollande said.
The landmark bill — which would also legalise adoption by gay couples — was approved by the upper house, the Senate, last week after being voted through the lower house, the National Assembly, earlier this year.
It has now gone back to the assembly for a second reading, and could face a final vote as early as next Tuesday, under a fast-track measure that has limited debate to 25 hours.
Opponents have accused the government of rushing the bill through its final stages and have upped the ante with daily protests.
On Wednesday, a several-thousand-strong protest in the streets of Paris turned ugly with cars and public property vandalised and police officers and two journalists attacked. Several people were detained for questioning.