Premium Content:

French Mayor Would Rather 'Go to the Gallows'

marseille-kiss[1]A French mayor is facing charges of discrimination after refusing to marry a same-sex couple. Jean-Michel Colo, the Mayor for Arcangues, explained he would rather ‘go to the gallows’ than abide by new marriage equality laws.

Already facing huge backlash from LGBT advocates, Colo could face up to five years imprisonment or a fine of €75,000 ($105,000AUD) for refusing to wed Guy Martineau-Espel and his partner Jean-Michel Martin.

- Advertisement -

Denying homophobia, the Mayor explains his refusal stems from the belief that new marriage equality laws in France are ‘illegitimate’. It is alleged that the Mayor has previously stated that,

“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.”

“Everyone does what they want behind closed bedroom doors, but if you ask me as the mayor to support it, then I am very uncomfortable with it”.

Despite the fact the couple did not wish to make an issue of the refusal, they will now be taking Colo to court, where his refusal will be overruled.

Latest

Polari Prize longlist announced but authors launch protest action over inclusion of John Boyne

Authors and judges have complained saying Boyne's statements about trans people should have excluded him from consideration.

US revokes approved early retirement of trans service members, removing their benefits

In January when US President Donald Trump returned to...

LGBTIQ+ groups join forces to denounce discrimination against trans women

"We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice."

Rising star Georgina Hopson takes the lead in ‘Anastasia’ musical

The hit Broadway musical will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Polari Prize longlist announced but authors launch protest action over inclusion of John Boyne

Authors and judges have complained saying Boyne's statements about trans people should have excluded him from consideration.

US revokes approved early retirement of trans service members, removing their benefits

In January when US President Donald Trump returned to...

LGBTIQ+ groups join forces to denounce discrimination against trans women

"We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice."

Rising star Georgina Hopson takes the lead in ‘Anastasia’ musical

The hit Broadway musical will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

Join Dyan Tai for a unique afternoon of music, creativity and community

Midland-based LGBTIQA+ group Our Place is bringing queer pop sensation Dyan Tai to the west coast for a very special youth event.

Polari Prize longlist announced but authors launch protest action over inclusion of John Boyne

Authors and judges have complained saying Boyne's statements about trans people should have excluded him from consideration.

US revokes approved early retirement of trans service members, removing their benefits

In January when US President Donald Trump returned to power he issued an executive order saying that transgender personnel serving in the armed forces...

LGBTIQ+ groups join forces to denounce discrimination against trans women

"We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice."