First gay couple wed in France amid tight security

Two men have become the first gay couple to wed in France, just days after President Francois Hollande signed the same-sex marriage bill into law.

Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau said "oui" in the southern city of Montpellier amid tight security.
Mr Hollande had warned he would not accept any disruption to the ceremony.
The new legislation has proved controversial and sparked violent protests.
The anti-gay-marriage lobby, backed by the Catholic Church and conservative opposition, argues the bill undermines an essential building block of society.

“Start Quote

Love yourselves, let's love ourselves, because it's important”

Vincent Autin Gay rights activist

The ceremony was broadcast live on French TV.

The Socialist mayor of Montpellier, Helene Mandroux, conducted the ceremony, announcing "I now pronounce you united in marriage."
Her announcement was met with applause from the guests, as Frank Sinatra's 'Love and Marriage' was played.
Earlier in the ceremony, Ms Mandroux said marriage was about "the same rights for everybody".
The law legalising gay marriage was "a stage in the modernisation of our country", she added.
Mr Autin made a short speech after the ceremony thanking supporters. He frequently broke down in tears, reports AFP. "Love yourselves, let's love ourselves, because it's important," he said.