First gay marriage step passes in France with overwhelming support A protestor carries a sign saying that translates to "there is no egg in testicles" during a demonstration against gay marriage, gay adoption and medically-assisted procreation in Paris on January 13, 2013. The demonstration, aimed at countering French President Francois Hollande's pledge to legalize gay marriage in an upcoming parliamentary vote, drew large crowds from various parts of the country. PARIS, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- French lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved the first in a series of measures aimed at legalizing gay marriage. A majority bloc of left-wing Members of Parliament voted to redefine marriage as between two people rather than between one man and one woman. The 249-97 vote included support from just one member of the nation's conservative bloc, Radio France Internationale said Saturday. Conservatives tried unsuccessfully to block the measure with a number of delay tactics, including a proposal to allow same-sex couples to enter into a "civil alliance." It was defeated 171-71. France's Socialist Party, led by President Francois Hollande, had pledged during the 2012 election to legalize same-sex marriage. The BBC said polls suggest between 55 percent and 60 percent of French citizens support same-sex marriage. "We are happy and proud to have taken this first step," Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said. A final vote on the measure is scheduled for Feb. 12.