On Tuesday the EU Court of Justice ruled that Poland must recognise and register same‑sex marriages performed abroad, forcing changes to the country’s civil‑registry procedures.
EU Court Decision
The Court held that a member state must acknowledge a same‑sex marriage lawfully entered in another member state, and must register it in its civil‑registry system; this answer followed a preliminary reference from the Supreme Administrative Court on a Polish couple whose marriage was performed in Germany.
Reaction from Polish Reformers
State Secretary Katarzyna Kotula of the KPRM said the ruling marks a historic new stage in legal protection for same‑sex couples, obliging Poland to transcribe foreign marriage certificates.
She added that ministries—including Justice, Interior and Administration—will discuss how to implement the decision, and that she needs to know their positions because they are also important.
Impact on Polish Law
Deputy Dorota Łoboda says the EU ruling will not automatically allow same‑sex marriage in Poland but may change administrative procedures by requiring ministry guidance for foreign‑registered marriages inside Polish offices.
Proposed Legislation on Partner Status
In December, a government bill on the status of close persons within same‑sex partnerships and cohabitation agreements is expected to pass Parliament, meeting the expectations of same‑sex couples.
Negotiated in October between the Left and the PSL, the bill allows civil‑legal contracts not yet registered as marriages, granting rights such as joint property taxation, inheritance, health insurance, and decision‑making over burial and medical information.
Future Parliament Debate
On October 15, coalition leaders said the bill might still pass this year, though the president’s stance remains uncertain; a politician noted that after Parliament passes the law, discussions with the presidential palace would begin.
