A government study into France's gay marriage bill has detailed possible consequences of the new law, including an increase in divorce, more foreigners gaining French nationality and an increased workload for local councils.

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Daily right-leaning national paper Le Figaro acquired a copy of the study which reveals social as well as diplomatic consequences of the bill.

The new law, due to go before cabinet on October 31th, would legalize marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples if passed.

The study noted gay marriage increases the likelihood of foreigners gaining French nationality, but admitted “it is not possible for the moment to calculate the number of marriages implied”.

As ceremonies are conducted by local councils in France, there would be extra work created for civil servants, and, as a consequence, more expenses incurred.

A higher number of marriages could also, of course, lead to an increase in divorce - another process managed by the local council.

The new bill could also affect the rights of homosexual couples and their families in other areas of the law because some clauses are not detailed enough.

Fiscal law, insurance related to childbirth and rights to education would all have to be updated in the country’s current constitution.