Zakopane Mayor Łukasz Filipowicz announced that the city will refuse to transcribe foreign same-sex marriage certificates, citing constitutional conflicts, following a recent statement by the Polish Episcopate regarding marriage laws.
Episcopate Reaffirms Traditional Definition of Marriage
The Council of the Polish Episcopate’s (KEP) Family Board issued a statement expressing concern over recent administrative court rulings concerning the transcription of same-sex marriage certificates. The bishops underscored that Article 18 of the Constitution defines marriage as a union between a woman and a man.
The Council emphasized that the Catholic Church consistently teaches that marriage is a permanent union open to procreation. While asserting their stance, the bishops clarified that they do not intend to oppose individuals or strip anyone of their dignity, maintaining that respect for persons does not require abandoning the Church’s teachings on marriage.
Call for Constitutional Responsibility
Members of the KEP Family Board urged for responsibility regarding the law and the future of Polish families. They argued that because the union of a woman and a man holds unique social and spiritual significance, public debate on the matter should be conducted with composure and care for the common good.
Zakopane Stance on Transcription Refusals
Mayor of Zakopane Łukasz Filipowicz stated that the local civil registry office will refuse to process transcriptions for same-sex marriages. He explained that, in the absence of legislative changes, the municipality maintains that such entries are inconsistent with the Constitution and current regulations.
Filipowicz noted that a new regulation from the Minister of Digital Affairs regarding civil registry document templates does not equate to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Poland. He suggested the legal dispute over the interpretation of these regulations could eventually reach the Constitutional Tribunal.
New Civil Registry Templates
A ministerial regulation published on Friday introduces new document templates for civil registration that account for different combinations of spouses. The regulation, which takes effect in three months, lists forms for unions between a woman and a man, a woman and a woman, and a man and a man.
Addressing the local context, Filipowicz remarked that while Podhale is a region deeply attached to tradition and faith, Zakopane remains a tolerant city where all individuals should feel welcome regardless of their orientation.
