Gay marriage ban upheld

FRANCE’S top constitutional watchdog has upheld laws banning gay marriage.

However, though the Constitutional Council said the ban does not violate the constitution, it said it is up to the country’s parliament to make laws.

The decision leaves an opening for future amend- ments — and hope for two women who had challeng- ed the gay marriage ban.

Corinne Cestino and Sophie Hasslauer, who have lived together for 15 years and have four children, have challenged the constitutionality of the law banning gay marriage.

The couple and advocacy group Act Up Paris hope France will soon join EU partners including Spain, Belgium and Netherlands that have legalised same-sex marriage.