French fair targets a new newlywed market: Gays

PARIS (AP) — Lesbian and gay cake toppers, his-and-his wedding bands, flower-themed tuxedo bow ties: Marketing whizzes have held France's first gay-marriage fair — four days after parliament legalized same-sex wedlock.

Wedding planners, photographers and high-end tailors pitched their services at the Paris fair Saturday. Police stood guard outside — a precautionary measure after recent bouts of anti-gay violence by foes of same-sex marriage. The legislation sparked huge protests across France.

Fair organizer Claire Jollain says she senses pent-up demand among many same-sex couples who have long sought to tie the knot, and now can.

A final vote in France's National Assembly on Tuesday made France the 14th nation to legalize gay marriage. President Francois Hollande is expected to sign it into law soon. Same-sex weddings could begin as soon as June.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.