The mayor of Świdnica vows to comply with the European Court of Justice’s ruling that Polish authorities must recognize same‑sex marriages valid in other EU states, despite current IT obstacles.
EU Court Decision
On November 25, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that member states are obliged to recognize same‑sex marriages legally performed in other EU countries. The decision followed a Polish authority’s refusal to transpose the marriage of two Polish citizens who wed in Germany. Polish law previously disallowed same‑sex marriages, but the Court held that the refusal contravened EU law.
Świdnica’s Commitment
Mayor Beata Moskal‑Słaniewska declared on TOK FM that Świdnica would honor the ECJ ruling. In an interview with OKO.press she noted that, although the intention is clear, the local information systems are not yet prepared to accommodate such entries.
Technical Barriers
The mayor explained that the municipal registry requires each entry’s PESEL number to match the declared sex; mismatches cause the system to block the record. She added that adjusting the system and altering registry fields will require a ministerial regulation, which is urgently needed.
Political Reaction
In response to criticism that the EU is imposing its law, Moskal‑Słaniewska argued that joining the EU was a voluntary act that accepted both privileges and obligations, including compliance with ECJ judgments.
Opposition Concerns
PiS City Council President Krzysztof Lewandowski urged patience for a government decision, stated that local authorities cannot unilaterally proceed, and questioned the mayor’s motives, labeling the issue as “not our problem.”
