Homophobic Man Admits Stabbing Gay Paris Mayor

The man who stabbed Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe during an all-night festival says he did it because he dislikes homosexuals and politicians.

The 39-year-old man with a criminal history was taken into custody shortly after the incident early Sunday. Officials say he confessed to the stabbing, but his name was not released.

Mayor Delanoe, who is openly gay, is expected to spend about a week in the hospital after suffering damage to some internal organs. Medical officials have said his injuries are not life-threatening.

The attack took place at City Hall about 2:00 a.m. Sunday during the "Sleepless Night" ("Nuit Blanche") festival in Paris - a first-time celebration, when many public buildings were open all night and artist performances were staged throughout the capital.

Mr. Delanoe's aides said that immediately after the attack the mayor insisted the festivities continue without interruption.

French President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin have condemned the attack and expressed their concern for the mayor's welfare.

President Chirac, himself a former mayor of Paris, was the target of a shooting attempt in July at a Bastille Day parade. He was not injured.