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Gay couple sue French mayor over marriage refusal

The 60-year-old mayor from south-west France, who faces up to five years in prison, said he would rather serve jail time than marry two men.

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26 June 2013 à 16h04

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A gay couple in southwestern France have pressed charges against a mayor who has refused to wed them in defiance of a landmark law allowing same-sex unions, reports FRANCE 24.

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 a gay couple, 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 he could face a five-year jail term and a 75,000-euro ($98,000) fine.

Read more of this AFP report published by FRANCE 24.

La rédaction de Mediapart

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