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Same-sex marriage bill provokes fistfight in French Parliament

PARIS, April 19 (UPI) -- A fistfight on the floor of the French Parliament ended an acrimonious debate over a French government same-sex marriage bill, a member said.

About 20 right-wing members rushed the floor after a perceived insult from one of Justice Minister Christiane Taubira's advisers during the session Thursday night, Radio France Internationale reported Friday.

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The official video of the proceedings was cut off as tempers rose.

"Punches were thrown," said Socialist Member of Parliament Thierry Mandon, "a sign that it's a good thing we will take the final vote on this law Tuesday."

During a protest by thousands of people outside Parliament Thursday, several dozen opponents of same-sex marriage were arrested.

In the northern city of Lille, three men appeared in court, charged in an attack on a gay bar Wednesday in which three employees were injured and furniture was smashed, Radio France Internationale said.

The proposed legislation would legalize same-sex marriages in France.

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