Paris Pat writes:

France’s Senate has approved the crucial first article of a bill granting gay couples the right to marry. The upper house approved the article overnight by a vote of 179 to 157, with all Senators from the ruling Socialists voting in favour and five from the main opposition right-wing UMP breaking ranks with their
colleagues to approve it.
A final vote is expected on Thursday or Friday. AFP reports the complete bill must still be approved by the Senate, as well as another article granting same-sex couples the right to adopt.

Might want to reconsider that move Dave.