Béziers Mayor Robert Ménard Defends Decision to Refuse Marriage of Irregular Immigrant
In an interview on "Points de Vue," Béziers Mayor Robert Ménard has defended his decision not to plead guilty to charges of refusing to perform a marriage ceremony for an undocumented immigrant. Ménard argues that his dual roles as civil registrar and police officer present an ethical dilemma.
The Ethical Dilemma
"As a civil registrar, I am responsible for officiating marriages," Ménard explained. "But as a police officer, I am also tasked with ensuring public safety and order in my city. How can I be expected to marry someone who has been issued two deportation orders and convicted of theft with violence?"
Ménard highlighted a recent Senate vote on a bill that would exempt mayors from the obligation to marry undocumented immigrants, suggesting the absurdity of his situation. "I am being condemned today for an action that may soon become legal within the next 48 hours," he said. "It’s absurd."
Mayor’s Discretion
Ménard believes that mayors should have the discretion to decline to perform marriages for individuals who do not meet certain criteria. "Love stories between two people are not my concern," he stated. "My job is to uphold the law and protect the community."
The mayor’s refusal to perform the marriage prompted the couple to file a complaint, resulting in the offer of a plea bargain. However, Ménard declined the offer, citing concerns about possible bias in the legal system.
"The climate in the courtroom was not hostile, but I am worried about the growing politicization of the judiciary," Ménard said. "With today’s climate, there is no guarantee of a fair trial."
Plaint for Defamation
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Vanessa Edberg, has announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Ménard for his public statements about the groom, Mustapha B. Ménard claims that B had a prior conviction for theft with violence, but Edberg denies this allegation.
Mounting Tensions
The legal battle and the mayor’s statements have further escalated tensions between the parties involved. Ménard has accused the female plaintiff of secretly recording their conversations, while Edberg has condemned the mayor’s public attacks as defamatory.
The ongoing conflict highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the marriage of undocumented immigrants in France. It remains to be seen how the court will resolve the matter and whether the proposed bill in the Senate will ultimately provide a solution to the dilemma faced by mayors like Robert Ménard.
