Hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Paris to protest same-sex marriage.
They waved French flags and signs saying that marriage is about a man and woman -- many say they came to the capital to try to stop the government from allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt.
The protest, which comes ahead of a vote in parliament, turned violent after protesters began pushing against barriers set up around the famed Champs-Elysees. The back and forth (shoving) with police went on for several minutes before officers began spraying tear gas which had many coughing and gasping for air, and in some cases falling to the ground.
Many of the demonstrators say they oppose same-sex adoption and artificial insemination because they believe it will have a negative impact on children.
SOUNDBITE: Demonstrator Tanguy Leveque saying:
"Each child has the right to have a father and a mother and it's the reason why we are here today. Look at that behind me, we are the fa
