An act to protect France’s identity?

Former writer and activist, Dominique Venner, offed himself in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday, in a protest against gay marriage.

The 78-year-old, who was recognised in France for his political essays – reportedly published a last post on his blog, arguing against the “vile law” that was passed, legalising gay marriage.

Venner:

We are reaching a time when words must be backed up with acts.

There will certainly need to be new, spectacular, symbolic gestures to shake off the sleepiness… and re-awaken the memories of our origins.

Reports from Europe 1 radio said that Venner effortlessly walked up to the altar in the choir section of the Notre Dame Cathedral and after he laid a letter on the altar, shot himself with an automatic pistol.

Prince Salabanzi a local student said:

All of a sudden he shot himself in the head – everyone was traumatised.

Cathedral rector Monsignor Patrick Jacquin said that after Venner shocked the 1 500 people visiting the Cathedral, that they “did not know him, he was not a regular at the Cathedral.”

Away from the Cathedral the “Martyr” got recognition. National Front’s (a French nationalist party) leader, Marine Le Pen, praised the acts of Venner via Twitter. 

Here is her tweet which has been translated below.

Tout notre respect à Dominique Venner dont le dernier geste, éminemment politique, aura été de tenter de réveiller le peuple de France. MLP

— Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) May 21, 2013

Translation:

All respect to Dominique Venner whose final, highly political act, was to try to awaken the people of France.

The Notre Dame Interior Minister Manuel Valls expressed how “Notre Dame is Paris’ cathedral, it’s one of the most beautiful symbols of our capital and our country,” when something as dramatic as this happens, you have to hope the aura of relic is not tainted.

[Source: The Age]