French Mayor resigns to avoid officiating marriage between French citizen and foreign national

The mayor of the French town of Chessy, Olivier Bourjot, has resigned from office in order to avoid officiating the marriage between a French citizen and a foreign national who is under an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF).

Despite a ruling by the public prosecutor stating that there was “no legal obstacle to the marriage” and that the ceremony must proceed, Bourjot stepped down from his post. Other municipal officials also resigned alongside him.

Under French law, civil marriages can only be performed in the municipality of residence. As a result of the resignations, the marriage can no longer take place.

The mayor’s decision has sparked widespread debate both locally and nationwide.

In a public statement, Bourjot said he resigned in order to remain “faithful to his personal convictions,” arguing that he could not accept being compelled to officiate the marriage of a person subject to a deportation order. He added that, despite investigations, he continues to believe the marriage was not genuine.

Under French legislation, migrants under this status retain certain rights, including the right to marry, pursue education, and purchase property.

Regional public prosecutor Jean-Baptiste Bladier said in a written statement that resigning to avoid officiating a marriage was inappropriate. He added that authorities would assess whether resigning in order to evade official duties could constitute a criminal offense.

Bladier stressed that once the judiciary determined there was no legal impediment to the marriage, the mayor was obliged to carry out the ceremony.

Background to the case

The foreign national, who is subject to an OQTF order, applied in May to marry a French citizen. Investigations found no evidence that the marriage was fraudulent, and authorities confirmed that the couple demonstrated an emotional bond.

On July 7, the prosecutor’s office approved the marriage request and instructed the municipality to proceed with the ceremony. After initially announcing he would not officiate the wedding, Mayor Bourjot resigned along with his deputies following a second official notice.

Source: Anadolu Agency (AA)