French priest hurt after mock same-sex marriage in Paris cathedral

Paris, France, Jun 6, 2005 / 22:00 pm

French gay-rights activists took their legal battle for same-sex marriage into a Catholic church this week.

About 20 members of the group Act Up entered Paris’ historic Notre-Dame Cathedral and proceeded to perform a mock marriage of two lesbians in front of baffled tourists and worshippers

One activist dressed as a priest and pronounced the two women married. Others chanted: "Pope Benedict XVI, homophobe, AIDS accomplice."

Security officials chased them out of the cathedral, where clashes broke out. Msgr. Patrick Jacquin, who ran outside as well, was pulled into the clash and suffered a neck injury. He was treated at the scene.

"They are savages. I was pushed to the ground and trampled, kicked in the neck,” Msgr. Jacquin said. "It's a scandal for these people to lash out at me and the Pope."

He said he was considering filing charges.

The demonstration marked the anniversary of France's first gay wedding last year, which has since been declared null and void by the French courts.