Historian and writer Dominique Venner shot himself inside Notre Dame Cathedral . France is the ninth country in Europe ( and the 14th in the world ) to adopt same-sex marriage . 78-year - old right - wing activist was an opponent of France 's new same - sex marriage law . Controversial , signed after lengthy , sometimes bitter and angry debate . Poirier : Divide over law is both political and generational .
Historian and writer Dominique Venner shot himself inside Notre Dame Cathedral . 78-year - old right - wing activist was an opponent of France 's new same - sex marriage law . Controversial , signed after lengthy , sometimes bitter and angry debate . Poirier : Divide over law is both political and generational .