On 25 November, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that every member state must recognise same‑sex marriages performed elsewhere, sparking a surge of online commentary.
TSUE Decision on Same‑Sex Marriages
On 25 November, the Court of Justice of the European Union announced that every member state must recognise a same‑sex marriage legally contracted in another member state.
Polish citizens who married in Germany sought transcription of their certificate into Poland’s civil registry so their marriage would be recognised, but the office refused on the basis that Polish law prohibits same‑sex marriages.
Political Outrage and Criticism
Former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro condemned the ruling, arguing it contravenes international treaties and Polish constitutional guarantees and aims to import homosexual marriages into Poland. He said the Court’s role should not be to enforce EU law but to align member states with a leftist agenda.
Other Law and Justice politicians echoed the criticism. Sebastian Kaleta claimed the Court exceeded its competences; Bartosz Lewandowski accused the Court of overstepping and violating constitutional identity. Beata Kempas warned that the decision signals how to circumvent national law in a purely sovereign area, and Marcin Romanowski called it scandalous interference in family law and civil registry matters. Confederation MP Krzysztof Bosak added the Court has no power over Poland’s nation or conscience.
Praise and Support
Minister of National Education Barbara Nowacka hailed the ruling as a victory for rights and dignity, calling it a step forward for equality and civil rights. Krzysztof Śmiszek (New Left) said the information demonstrates why being in the EU matters.
Left party MPs shared enthusiasm. Magdalena Biejat described the ruling as confirming that everyone has the right to family life and freedom of movement regardless of sexual orientation, calling it simple and foundational. Katarzyna Kotula praised it as progress toward marital equality and a success for the LGBT community in Poland, urging continued work to ensure all families are safe.
More on the Issue
Readers can find a detailed discussion in a separate article titled “Important Decision of the EU Court in the Polish Case: About Same‑Sex Marriages.”
