Poland recognizes same-sex marriages concluded abroad; rush to organize weddings outside country
Since late May, Poland has legalized the recognition of same-sex marriages performed in third countries, leading to a rush of weddings organized abroad.
Poland, one of the most restrictive countries in Europe for LGBT rights, has taken a significant step. As of late May, the country has officially recognized same-sex marriages performed in third countries. This change follows a ruling by the European Court of Justice, which stated that Warsaw would violate EU free movement laws if it denied rights that couples had acquired in another country.
As a result, Polish same-sex couples are hastily organizing weddings outside the country to secure recognition of their marriages in Poland. Journalists Adrien Sarlat and Gulliver Cragg from France 24 spoke with several couples who are doing just that. They share their experiences and hopes brought by this new legal framework.
Although same-sex marriage and civil partnerships are still not legal in Poland, this step marks significant progress. Couples now have the opportunity to have their unions concluded abroad recognized in Poland, which was previously impossible.
