This Viral Photo Proves That France Made the Right Choice In Passing Gay Marriage

Impact

On Tuesday, the French parliament approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, following a divisive public debate.

France becomes the 14th country to pass a law allowing gay marriage, and follows New Zealand last week.

After Wilfred de Bruijn was the victim of an anti-gay beating in Paris, he was left heavily injured. He wanted to share his disbelief with his friends on Facebook by posting a photo of his bloodied face after his trip to the hospital.

"Sorry to show you this," Wilfred wrote under the picture. "It’s the face of homophobia. Last night 19th arrondissement, Paris, Olivier and I were badly beaten just for walking arm in arm. I woke up in an ambulance covered in blood, missing tooth and broken bones around the eye."

"I’m home now. Very sad," the man continued.

The picture, as well as Wilfred's anger, was shared by thousands all over the world. As it went viral, support for the young man poured in from friends and strangers. "What a horrible experience, and a disgusting act of hate," someone wrote on his Facebook. 

The picture comes at a time where France has been grappling with a resurgence of homophobia. A huge organized protest of right wing protesters took place about six months ago, and it was the largest conservative demonstration the country has seen in the last 30 years. 

As the French Parliament voted on gay marriage on Tuesday, police surveillance was extremely high. The head of the Parliament has already received death threats and an envelope full of gunpowder. 

For more updates on France's quest for marriage equality, follow me on Twitter: @feministabulous