FRANCE: Far-Right Politician Accused Of Assaulting Three Gay Activists

French police are investigating after a leader of the far-right National Front party was accused of pushing three activists down a flight of stairs during a same-sex marriage rally in Burgundy. The Local reports:

Councillor Richard Jacob, an elected member of Marine Le-Pen’s far-right party, allegedly shouted homophobic abuse at three gay-rights activists before pushing them down the steps of the Town Hall, police sources told TF1 television. One of the victims was taken to hospital with a face wound, another injured his ankle whilst a third said he was kicked in the face during the fracas, which kicked off in the middle of a demonstration in favour of gay marriage on Saturday. According to TF1 witnesses reported that Jacob started the rumpus after becoming furious at the presence of the demonstrators outside the Town Hall. The three victims have filed complaints with local police accusing Jacob of assault and using homophobic language.

Jacob is claiming self-defense. Another news account of the incident (in French) is here.