(France) Gay couple sue mayor over wedding refusal
Gay couple sue mayor over wedding refusal
A gay couple in south-west France pressed charges for discrimination on Wednesday against a combative mayor who has repeatedly and publicly refused to officiate at their wedding, despite risking years in prison and a hefty fine.
Jean-Michel Colo, the mayor of Arcangues, stirred up controversy by becoming the first French official to formally refuse to officiate at the wedding of gay partners, Jean-Michel Martin and Guy Martineau-Espel, and has made several combative statements.
Isabelle Duguet, the couple's lawyer, said she had filed a case against Colo for discrimination and refusal to carry out his official duties. The 60-year-old has been mayor of Arcangues for three decades.
Duguet said Colo could face a five-year jail term and a €75,000 fine.
"For me, marriage is for a woman and man to have children. I am not discriminating, as a same-sex couple is sterile. It's a parody of equality, it's a big lie," Colo had said earlier, defending his stand.
http://www.thelocal.fr/20130626/gay-couple-sues-french-mayor-for-wedding-refusal