A mayor in French Polynesia has appeared in the criminal court in Papeete for alleged abuse of power after he refused to marry a couple because the woman had had a sex change.
Thomas Moutame, who is the mayor of Taputapuatea on Raiatea, is also being accused of sexual discrimination.
Tahitipresse reports that in 2007, he refused to officiate despite the couple presenting a document of a tribunal which showed that it recognised that she no longer was a man.
Mr Moutame claimed religious and moral objections to the sex change.
The prosecution wants the mayor to be declared ineligible to hold office for a year and be fined 5,000 US dollars.
The court will announce its ruling on March the 22nd.
