Polish court shifts stance on same sex marriage registration

Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that authorities must register same sex marriages contracted abroad.

The case concerned a Polish couple who married in Berlin and were refused registration by the authorities upon their return. Officials had relied on the constitution, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

According to TVP World, the court based its decision on a November 2025 ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU, which states that member states must recognise such marriages at least for administrative purposes, such as residence or family life.

The ruling overturns previous decisions by lower authorities and orders registration within 30 days.

The decision is widely seen as a shift in a country where legislative changes in this area have long been blocked by political actors. Activists describe it as the most realistic path towards practical improvements in the rights of the LGBT community.

(pir)