The Pacte Civil de Solidarité (PACS)

The PACS is a union between two persons of legal age, either of different sexes or the same sex. It creates rights and obligations for the partners, notably "mutual and material aid." -French Government Website

Factual & Government Sources

http://www.france.diplomatie.fr/etrangers/vivre/pacs/
French government website offering a brief introduction of the PACS. (In French only)

http://membres.lycos.fr/julieweiss/tableaucomparatif.htm
Factual table comparing cohabitation, PACS, and marriage. (In French only)

http://www.france.qrd.org/texts/partnership/fr/explanation.html
Official French Government report on the PACS.

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnTexteDeJorf?numjo=JUSX9803236L
Actual text of the PACS, signed into law November 15, 1999. (In French only)

Opposing sides & Opinions

France QRD: The Civil Solidarity Pact
Brief and accessible history of the PACS by France QRD

«L'homophobie, ça fait mal»
Editorial from L' Express, February 7, 2005. (In French only)

www.PROCHOIX.org
Online version of ProChoix issue number seven, September 1998. Numerous links relating to the debate about the PACS before its passage into law. (In French only)

«PACS, l'an 1 des nouveaux couples: Douze mois après le vote de la loi »
Article from Nouvel Observateur, October 19, 2000. (In French only)

"Report on the legal and social situation of lesbians and gay men in France"
Document on homosexuals’ status in France, February 1998. Note the changes that have occurred since the passage of the PACS.