PARIS — Frigide Barjot has made a career of mocking the establishment of France, dressing in fluorescent pink sweaters, playing in a band called the Dead Pompidous and hosting a philosophy soirée at which she handed out T-shirts with the logo, “Kierkegaard is my homeboy.”

But Ms. Barjot, born Virginie Merle 50 years ago, has also rediscovered her religious roots, writing a book called “Confessions of a Trendy Catholic.” And she has become one of the main actors and voices in France’s fierce debate over gay marriage, adoption rights and state financing for procreation assistance. It is a debate as sincere and confused, in a way, as Ms. Barjot’s own involvement.

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