“I want to offer two people who love each other the possibility not to deprive themselves,” declared Christian Estrosi following the deliberations approving the implementation of PACS ceremonies at the town hall. A considerable advancement is announced, as the PACS, which until now was concluded at the district court at the clerk’s office, will now, in Nice, be signed at the Mayor’s office.
Because Christian Estrosi, “mayor of ALL the people of Nice,” does not do things halfway, the ceremonies, presided over by a city official, will take place in the marriage hall of the Town Hall. The newly PACS-ed couples will also have the opportunity to sign a register held by the Civil Registry of the city of Nice to “embed the city in social progress.”
These ceremonies will take place on Saturday afternoons, alongside weddings and baptisms. A big step forward for the homosexual community, as while marriage has always represented a symbolic value in our society and a serious commitment, PACS has struggled to achieve the same level. “The mayor is giving people the opportunity to be happy today,” stated Auguste Verola, Deputy Mayor.
A Revolution
Let us remember that the Civil Pact of Solidarity is aimed not only at the homosexual community but also at any other individuals wishing to unite. Every year, about 1,300 civil marriages take place at the Nice Town Hall. From October 15th, many PACS will be added to these matrimonial unions.
Nowadays, marriage is becoming less popular, in contrast to the PACS, which is experiencing considerable growth. The number of requests has been continuously increasing since its creation on November 15, 1999.
For Raoul Mille, Municipal Councilor, a milestone is reached, as laws evolve with customs: “it’s a great revolution.”
The presentation of this project faced only two refusals, those of Jean-Claude Mari and André Chauvet of the Republican Entente.
By giving more value to the PACS, Christian Estrosi aims to, “reinforce symbolically the commitment made and allow for the official recognition of a very real union.”
