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Focus on the Fifth Republic: marriage for all
Marriage for all opens marriage to same-sex couples. This right developed under the Fifth Republic.
Key points of the sheet
- Before 2013, same-sex couples could only conclude a PACS. It gives some rights, but not as many as marriage.
- Marriage for all is in the public debate. The Netherlands, Belgium or Spain had already adopted it, which created the debate in France.
- The law of 17 May 2013 opens marriage and adoption to same-sex couples. The Minister of Justice, Christiane Taubira, supported this law.
- The law met opposition and caused several demonstrations. The first same-sex marriage was celebrated at Montpellier town hall (mairie) on 29 May 2013.
Words to know
- marriage for all (mariage pour tous)
- It is the opening of marriage to same-sex couples by the law of 17 May 2013.
- civil solidarity pact (PACS)
- The civil solidarity pact gives some rights, but not as many as marriage.
- law of 17 May 2013 (loi du 17 mai 2013)
- This law opens marriage and adoption to same-sex couples.
- equality of rights (égalité des droits)
- Marriage for all is a great step forward for equality of rights.
Test yourself: 3 questions
Which law opens marriage to same-sex couples?
In French, the language of the exam: Quelle loi ouvre le mariage aux couples homosexuels ?
The law of 17 May 2013 opens marriage and adoption to same-sex couples.
Before 2013, what could same-sex couples conclude?
In French, the language of the exam: Avant 2013, que pouvaient conclure les couples de même sexe ?
Before 2013, same-sex couples could only conclude a PACS.
Where was the first same-sex marriage in France celebrated?
In French, the language of the exam: Où est célébré le premier mariage homosexuel en France ?
The first same-sex marriage in France was celebrated at Montpellier town hall on 29 May 2013.
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More in this topic (The Fifth Republic)
- Focus on the Fifth Republic: the right to abortion
- The presidents of the Fifth Republic (Vème République)
- Focus on the Fifth Republic: the abolition of the death penalty
Source
Sheet “Focus sur la Vème République : le mariage pour tous” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.