Mayor Fined in Tahiti for Refusing to Officiate Wedding

Lucas Grindley

Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.

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Lucas Grindley

September 02 2011 2:06 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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A mayor in Tahiti is being fined for refusing to marry a couple after learning that one of the partners is transgender, reports say.

The Tahiti Presse reports that Thomas Moutame, the mayor of Taputapuatea, was fined $5,000 Thursday by the Court of Appeal of Papeete for turning away Simon and Pero Mareva -- a transgender woman -- who were set to be married several years ago. Moutame claimed religious objections to their marrying.

Radio New Zealand International reports that Moutame plans to continue appealing the case even if it goes all the way to the highest court in France (Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, a possession of France). He argues there is no law that allows him to be penalized for discriminating.