FRENCH GAY COUPLE MARRY DESPITE THREATS

The first gay couple to marry in France tied the knot on Wednesday, despite threats from protesters who attempted to disrupt the wedding.

Gay rights activist Vincent Autin (40) and Bruno Boileau (30), a civil servant, were married in the city of Montpellier in a ceremony broadcast live on television in France.

The wedding in the city hall was attended by 600 guests, including around 150 journalists. 

Montpellier’s Mayor, Helene Mandroux, officiated at the ceremony and described the occasion as a “historic moment”.

The two grooms, who have been together for five years, concluded the emotional ceremony with a lingering kiss, which was followed by Frank Sinatra’s Love and Marriage.

“Even if we have passed the hurdle of equality, there are still more battles to fight… But for now, it’s a moment for festivity, for love,” Autin was quoted as saying after the wedding.

It was the first legal same-sex wedding in France since marriage equality became a reality just ten day ago – an issue that has starkly divided the country and led to a number of violent protests.

The event was held under tight security. While shouting threats, one man was restrained by police as he tried to approach the couple when they entered the building.

Earlier, a small demonstration behind the city hall was quelled with teargas when protesters began to push forward.

Plans to broadcast the wedding on a large screen outside the venue were reportedly scrapped to avoid other incidents.

On Sunday, a huge protest against same-sex marriage in Paris turned violent as some demonstrators clashed with police and even attacked journalists.

The controversial legislation has radicalised conservatives and led to a dramatic increase in homophobic hate crimes in France.

Watch a video of the historic wedding below.