French President Francois Hollande's Cabinet approved a bill legalizing gay marriage on Wednesday despite strong opposition from the religious sector.

The bill now awaits a vote in parliament, where it's expected to be discussed in January or February next year.

However, religious conservatives from Catholics to Muslims are up in arms about the French government’s move.

Some conservatives and ultrarightist politicians are planning to hold a protest against the bill on November 17th. Hundreds of mayors and deputy mayors have signed a petition pledging not to officiate wedding ceremonies of gay couples.

A survey conducted by the French daily Le Monde shows that 65 percent of French people support same-sex marriage. The results of the poll were announced on Wednesday.