Macron Calls Marriage Refusal 'Absurd' as France Debates Policy
Macron criticizes marriage refusal as absurd; France proposes restricting marriages for undocumented persons.
Event / Politics
Robert Ménard Mayor Trial France
Trial of French mayor Robert Ménard for refusing to perform a marriage ceremony between a French citizen and an Algerian man subject to deportation in July 2023. The case examines mayoral discretion, marriage rights, and immigration law enforcement. Trial held September 30, 2026, in Montpellier.
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2026-09-30 to 2026-11-01 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 30 Sept, 06:17 UTC
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What happened
Mayor Robert Ménard refused to perform marriage ceremony in Béziers
Robert Ménard, mayor of Béziers, refused to celebrate the marriage of Eva M., a French citizen, and Mustapha B., an Algerian man subject to an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF), on July 7, 2023. Ménard claimed to suspect a 'white marriage' and refused to perform the ceremony despite the prosecutor's office having approved the union after separate interviews with both parties revealed no inconsistencies.
Proposed legislation to ban marriages for persons in irregular status
A draft law has been proposed to prohibit marriages for persons in irregular immigration status in France. The proposal is currently under review by the Commission des lois of the National Assembly. The Association of Mayors of France supports the text, while the Association of Welcoming Cities and Territories (Anvita) has deemed it discriminatory.
Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirms attendance at Ménard trial
Bruno Retailleau, former Interior Minister and a potential presidential candidate, was cited as a witness by Robert Ménard. Retailleau had previously supported Ménard in this matter. His staff confirmed to AFP that he would attend the trial.
Mustapha B. expelled to Algeria following refused marriage ceremony
Fifteen days after Robert Ménard refused to perform the marriage ceremony, Mustapha B. was expelled from France to Algeria. The couple subsequently married in Algeria in July 2024, though they live separately with Eva remaining in France with her children.
Emmanuel Macron qualifies marriage refusal situation as absurd
In 2025, President Emmanuel Macron described the situation of mayors being required to perform marriages for persons in irregular status as 'absurd.' Macron was cited to appear as a witness by Ménard but did not attend the trial.
Robert Ménard trial scheduled in Montpellier for refusing to perform marriage
Robert Ménard, mayor of Béziers, faced trial before the Montpellier correctional court on September 30, 2026, for refusing to celebrate the marriage of July 7, 2023. He faces potential penalties including up to five years imprisonment, a fine of 75,000 euros, and possible ineligibility from office.
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Ménard Trial Opens Over Refused Marriage Ceremony in Béziers
Mayor Ménard stands trial for refusing to perform a marriage ceremony, resulting in an expulsion to Algeria.