NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      PARIS (CWNews.com) - Over 100,000 people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a government proposal to allow unmarried heterosexual or homosexual couples to register and receive civil and legal benefits previously reserved only for married couples.

      The proposed law would allow cohabitating couples older than 18-years-old to sign a Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS) that would allow them to benefit from joint tax filing status for married couples, as well as inheritance rights and other benefits. The draft law is supported by the left-wing Socialist government of Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and is opposed by pro-family groups, including the Catholic Church.

      Conservative deputy Christine Boutin, who has opposed the bill in the National Assembly, told the protesters: "Jospin said he listens to the French people. Now he can listen and withdraw the bill." The huge crowd had gathered in central Paris after having traveled by train and bus from all across France.