Paul KeenanFrance – The country’s Constitutional Council has ruled that mayors do not have a right to claim conscientious objection against performing gay marriage ceremonies. The ruling is a blow to a group of mayors which appealed to the council in the wake of threats by France’s Interior Ministry to imprison, for five years, those refusing to officiate at such weddings.
In France, all couples seeking marriage must pursue a civil ceremony via mayors or their assistants. This rule applies equally to those seeking religious ceremonies who can do so after the civil act.
Supporters of the protesting mayors have vowed to now pursue the case via the European Court of Human Rights.