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 .
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 law signed after lengthy , sometimes bitter and angry debate . Poirier : Divide over law is both political and generational .