{{French President Francois Hollande has signed a law authorizing gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, after months of nationwide protests and wrenching debate.}}
His signature means the first gay marriages may be celebrated in France within about 10 days.
Hollande’s office said he signed the bill Saturday morning, a day after the Constitutional Council struck down a challenge to the law.
Hollande, a Socialist, had made legalizing gay marriage one of his campaign pledges last year.
While polls for years have shown majority support for gay marriage in France, adoption by same-sex couples is more controversial.
The bill prompted months of widespread protests, largely by conservative and religious groups. Some were marred by clashes with police.
It became a flashpoint for frustrations at the increasingly unpopular Hollande.
AP
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