Gay Marriage and Adoption Legalized in France

Gay couples in France will be permitted to get married and adopt children from 2013, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault announced in parliament yesterday.

Currently only married couples, not civil partners, can adopt in France.

The news was announced during a keynote speech outlining the government's budget and political agenda.

"In the first half of 2013, the right to marriage and adoption will be open to all couples, without discrimination," Mr Ayrault told parliament.  "Our society is evolving, lifestyles and mentalities are changing. The government will respond to that."