Lagerfeld backs marriage equality

Fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld has thrown his weight behind the push for same-sex marriage in France by featuring dual brides in his latest show.

The finale of his Chanel haute couture show in Paris’ Grand Palais featured two brides in matching wedding gowns instead of the traditional bride and groom.

“I don’t even understand the debate,” Lagerfeld said, speaking after the show.

“Since 1904 [in France] the church and state have been separate.”

He went on to attack the intolerance of religion, saying if opponents wanted a "sacred, religious union" they could have one in their church, synagogue or mosque.

No stranger to controversy Lagerfeld said he was "less supportive" of surrogacy, or what he called gay men "ordering babies".

"I am not so crazy about that," he told reporters, adding that he urged men to adopt instead.

The French cabinet approved a same-sex marriage bill late last year and it is due for debate in the French parliament this month.

French President Francois Hollande strongly supports the bill and the majority of French voters support marriage equality.

However, same-sex marriage is vehemently opposed by conservatives and the Catholic Church with thousands taking to the streets in protest.

Lagerfeld's dual bride statement follows on from the French edition of Elle Magazine this month featuring a lesbian bridal couple on its cover in support of marriage equality.

The renowned German-born fashion designer, who has previously spoken about his rampant heterosexuality as well as asexuality, is said to have never had sexual relations with the great love of his life, Jacques de Bascher, who died in 1989 from HIV-related complications.