Аннотация:This article focuses on the current political debate surrounding the campaign for the legalisation of gay marriage in France. The article examines why, in a political climate generally opposed to this campaign, the marriage debate has nevertheless served to raise the profile of gay and lesbian rights in France generally. The tabling in June 2004 of anti-homophobic legislation and a hurried reassessment of the PaCS can be seen as progressive initiatives. At the same time, however, the fact that these measures should have been announced in the same month as the first gay marriage in France was celebrated in the face of fierce State opposition is a clear indication that the French government is trying to broker a compromise which leaves the sanctity of marriage intact.
