Traditional marriage supporters rally in Trafalgar Square

French and British supporters of traditional marriage are braving miserable weather conditions to rally in London's Trafalgar Square.

The rally on Sunday afternoon was organised by French protesters living in the UK who are angry with their government back home over plans to redefine marriage.

Proposals were approved by the French National Assembly in February by a margin of 329 to 229 and are due to be debated in the Senate in early April.

Organisers of today's rally say that the debate around legalising gay marriage has been dominated by the "desires of adults" rather than the wellbeing of children.

British people opposed to similar plans here were invited to stand together in the capital to make their concerns heard.

The rally was timed to coincide with a demonstration in Paris today and a similar protest taking place in Washington DC on Tuesday.

London co-ordinator Damien Fournier Montgieux, criticised the way in which the governments in France and the UK have handled the legalisation of gay marriage.

"Almost out of nowhere we are suddenly faced with a huge challenge to the future of marriage and the family in both France and the UK. There has been no warning or consultation with the people," he said.

"It is children and the future generations that will suffer most as a result of these unjust changes. I believe that gay people's request is sincere but children's rights and freedoms are too often forgotten in this debate about the 'rights of adults'.

"This is now a pan-European challenge and it needs a pan-European response."

News
Investigation launched into fire at west London church
Investigation launched into fire at west London church

Investigators are working to uncover the cause of a huge fire that tore through a derelict Methodist church in west London on Sunday night. 

Zia Yusuf says Reform would protect the UK's Christian heritage
Zia Yusuf says Reform would protect the UK's Christian heritage

Reform's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, has said his party will protect Britain’s Christian heritage if it is voted into power at the next general election. 

Culture change needed to reduce gargantuan abortion numbers, says peer
Culture change needed to reduce gargantuan abortion numbers, says peer

Many women have abortions due to feelings of inadequacy, rather than financial concerns.

Bishop: 10 years on, concerns that led to Brexit have still not been addressed
Bishop: 10 years on, concerns that led to Brexit have still not been addressed

It's not the first time North has spoken of the disconnect between the Church and the working classes.