Poland's capital, Warsaw, made history on Thursday by registering its first same-sex marriage, implementing court rulings that require the country to recognize same-sex marriages registered abroad. The move follows a November decision by the European Union's highest court, which ordered Poland to register same-sex marriages entered into in other EU countries, even if Polish law does not currently permit them.
Court Rulings Pave the Way
In March, Poland's Supreme Administrative Court cited that EU ruling in ordering authorities to recognize the marriage in Germany of two Polish men. Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced, "This morning we issued the first transcription of a marriage certificate for a same-sex couple, in accordance with the court rulings." The mayor also pledged that the city would proactively recognize other Polish same-sex marriages registered elsewhere in the EU, even without a specific court ruling.
Government Response and Apology
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Tuesday that his government would find ways to implement the rulings as soon as possible. Addressing same-sex couples, he apologized "to all those who, for many years, felt rejected and humiliated." Tusk appealed to Polish officials, regardless of their personal opinions, "to respect the dignity of each individual and to remember that these people live around us, among us, near us, and that they deserve the same feelings of respect, dignity and love as any other person."
Ongoing Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights
LGBTQ+ individuals have fought for equal rights in Poland for decades, where same-sex marriage and civil partnerships remain illegal. The recent rulings do not oblige Poland to legalize same-sex marriage. Tusk's government came to power with a promise to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples, but resistance from conservatives within his own governing coalition and opposition from President Karol Nawrocki, a staunch Catholic, have stalled these efforts.
