French court rejects gay ‘marriage’ bid

PARIS — France’s highest court refused March 13 to recognize a gay “marriage” performed in 2004 and declared the union void.

Two French homosexual men, Stephane Chapin and Bertrand Charpentier, “married” in June 2004 with the mayor of the town of Begles officiating — despite the fact gay “marriage” is illegal in the country. They previously lost in one court and lost again when France’s top court said only a “new law by parliament” could change the situation.

“Under French law, marriage is a union between a man and a woman,” the court ruled. The men, though, say they will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. The Begles mayor, Noel Mamere, is supporting them in their legal battle.

Five nations worldwide recognize gay “marriage” — Canada, Spain, South Africa, Belgium and the Netherlands.  (TAB)