The European Union’s top court has ruled that same-sex marriages must be legally recognised across all member states, even if national laws do not permit such unions. The decision came after Poland refused to acknowledge the marriage of two Polish citizens who wed in Germany and later returned to Poland. The court stated that denying recognition violated the couple’s fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and family life.

The ruling emphasised that EU citizens must be guaranteed the ability to maintain a “normal family life” within the bloc, regardless of where they reside. Although the judgment does not compel member states to legalise same-sex marriage domestically, it prohibits discrimination against couples whose marriages are legally recognised in another EU country.

The case has intensified debate within Poland, where same-sex marriage remains illegal and LGBTQ+ rights are politically contentious. While the current government is preparing a civil partnership bill, progress has been slowed by internal resistance and opposition from conservative leaders, including President Karol Nawrocki, who has pledged to veto any legislation seen as challenging traditional marriage definitions.

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