French annul gay marriage

A FRENCH court nullified the country’s first gay marriage yesterday.

The couple, Stephane Chapin and Bertrand Charpentier, exchanged vows last month in the Bordeaux suburb of Begles.

The couple expressed optimism that the move would be overturned, promising to take their case to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

The government failed to suspend Begles mayor Noel Mamere, who conducted the ceremony.

Chapin and Charpentier’s lawyer said the ruling would not take effect pending an appeal.