While a protester made every effort to disrupt the vote -- on Tuesday the French General Assembly voted to back a landmark law legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption.

While debate surrounding the reform has divided France in recent months, as the measure passed, applause broke out in the Assembly.

Outside, supporters have their own celebrations.

Some break out the champagne.

Others embrace.

Although the law still needs to be implemented -- legal experts expect the first weddings to take place in the early summer.

For some it was a long time coming.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) PRO-GAY MARRIAGE DEMONSTRATOR ANNABELLE SAYING:

"It's obvious that it should pass. We shouldn't have to battle for things which are so obvious. We're not taking anything away from anyone else, and I don't see why people should tell me what I do, how I live my life and who I live it with isn't right."

France now follows 13 other countries that allows gay and lesbia